DATE= 11/20/97
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-222990
TITLE=GENEVA REACT (L ONLY)
BYLINE=ELAINE JOHANSON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N OFFICIALS AND DIPLOMATS ARE WAITING CAUTIOUSLY FOR
THE NEXT STEP IN THE WEAPONS INSPECTIONS CRISIS WITH IRAQ.
CORRESPONDENT ELAINE JOHANSON REPORTS REACTION TO THE OUTCOME OF
THE MINISTERIAL MEETING IN GENEVA WAS SLIGHTLY UPBEAT, BUT SOME
ARE WARY OF BAGHDAD'S INTENTIONS.
TEXT: THE GENEVA TALKS MAY HAVE MOVED THE CRISIS A STEP TOWARD
RESOLUTION. BUT U-N DIPLOMATS ARE LOOKING FOR ACTION TO VERIFY
RUSSIA'S CLAIM BAGHDAD IS READY TO COOPERATE.
SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN SAID THE FIRST MOVE HAS TO BE TO GET
THE INSPECTORS -- WITH THE AMERICANS -- BACK TO WORK:
//ANNAN ACT//
I THINK IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING. BUT WE WILL HAVE TO
WAIT TO GET THE INSPECTORS IN TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I AM
HOPEFUL THEY WILL ALL BE IN TOMORROW (FRI) SINCE THEY
ARE ONLY AN HOUR OR SO AWAY IN BAHRAIN. BUT IT IS
ENCOURAGING AND I THINK THE UNITED FRONT, THE RESOLVE
AND THE DETERMINATION TO CARRY THROUGH HAS PAID OFF.
BUT IT ALSO PROVES THAT DIPLOMACY SOMETIMES WORKS AND
YOU DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO FIGHT TO WIN.
// END ACT //
U-S AMBASSADOR BILL RICHARDSON IS MORE SKEPTICAL.
// RICHARDSON ACT //
THESE ARE JUST WORDS. THESE ARE JUST PROMISES, AND IRAQ
HAS MADE PROMISES BEFORE WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN KEPT. WE
WANT TO SEE THE UNSCOM INSPECTORS ON THE GROUND WITH
FULL ACCESS, WITH THEIR CURRENT COMPOSITION, WITH NO
POLITICS, WITH U-S FLIGHTS FLYING WITHOUT THEM BEING
THREATENED. UNTIL THAT HAPPENS THERE IS NO RESOLUTION
OF THIS ISSUE.
// END ACT //
AMBASSADOR RICHARDSON STRESSES THE FULL ACCESS ISSUE. THE
SPECIAL COMMISSION DISARMING IRAQ REPORTED TO THE SECURITY
COUNCIL WEDNESDAY BAGHDAD HAS AN OFFICIALLY-SANCTIONED POLICY OF
CONCEALMENT -- BLOCKING ACCESS TO SENSITIVE SITES AND CARTING
AWAY FROM THESE AREAS BANNED MATERIAL.
// REST OPT //
THE SECURITY COUNCIL MEETS LATER TODAY (THURS 4 PM) IN PRIVATE
CONSULTATIONS ON IRAQ. MEANWHILE, THE SPECIAL COMMISSION IS
EXPECTED TO MEET WITH THE COUNCIL ON FRIDAY TO DISCUSS THE
INSPECTIONS -- PERHAPS LAYING OUT A PROGRAM FOR GETTING INTO
FACILITIES THAT BAGHDAD HAS DECLARED OFF-LIMITS.
THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS INSISTED BAGHDAD COOPERATE
UNCONDITIONALLY. WHILE THE UNITED STATES SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN NO
COMPROMISES, REPORTS FROM IRAQ INDICATE BAGHDAD MAY HAVE A
DIFFERENT IDEA. (SIGNED)
NEB/RAE
20-Nov-97 10:56 AM EST (1556 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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