Scott Ritter on Bombing Iraq
Transcript - Ref. No.: 6056 Channel 4 News Wednesday 16th December 1998 US/UK/Iraq: ..."I'm dead set against this military strike. I think Iraq must be held accountable but I think a military strike even of a three-day nature, a massive strike that will inflict grievous harm on Iraq, will not solve the disarmament issue..." Extracts from comment by Scott Ritter (former UN weapons inspector) and Denis Halliday (ex-UNHCR co-ordinator for Iraq) David Smith (Channel 4 US correspondent): "As for the very serious business of military action, our understanding is that the Americans are looking at a two to three day minimum air campaign, not pin prick strikes as in the past but heavy, sustained bombing..." Presenter (Alex Thomson): "Scott Ritter, what's your betting: bombing tonight?" Scott Ritter: "I think that it's inevitable that there will be military action tonight...Iraq failed to live up to its obligations and the US feels that it's time to strike...I'm dead set against this military strike. I think Iraq must be held accountable but I think a military strike even of a three-day nature, a massive strike that will inflict grievous harm on Iraq, will not solve the disarmament issue, will only make innocent Iraqi people suffer more and in the end will backfire and allow Saddam Hussein to generate international support and eventually he'll get sanctions lifted and keep the weapons. This is a bad idea, it's a bad time and I don't think we should do this at this point in time." Denis Halliday: "I tend to agree with Mr Ritter. This is a policy which I think is a tragic mistake. Last month the Pentagon estimated ten thousand additional Iraqis would be killed if there were to be military strikes. It will further damage civilian infrastructure, which is the cause of the humanitarian crisis we have right now. Furthermore, it will strengthen President Saddam Hussein, not only in Iraq amongst his people but amongst the entire Arab/Islamic world."
---- END OF TRANSCRIPT ---- Transcripts are typed from a recording and not copied from the original script. Because of the possibility of mis-hearing and the difficulty, in some cases, of identifying individual speakers, MTS cannot vouch for their total accuracy although every possible care is taken during the transcription process. Transcribed by: Susan Stott, M. T. S., "The Briars" 12 Crescent Road, Birkdale, Southport. PR8 4SR ===== Susan & David Stott Media Transcription Service Birkdale, Southport, United Kingdom e-mail: mts@gn.apc.org The Media Monitoring Service for Peace, Human Rights and the Environment Phone/Fax: +44 (0)1704 563 092 =====
