DATE=2/22/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227136
TITLE=IRAQ INSPECTIONS AGREEMENT (S)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: IRAQ HAS AGREED TO THE RESUMPTION OF UNRESTRICTED U-N
INSPECTIONS OF ITS WEAPONS SITES -- A MOVE EXPECTED TO AVERT THE
THREAT OF RENEWED MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST THAT COUNTRY. V-O-A'S
MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM BAGHDAD THE AGREEMENT CAME AT THE END OF
TWO DAYS OF TALKS BETWEEN IRAQI LEADERS AND U-N SECRETARY GENERAL
KOFI ANNAN.
TEXT: UNITED NATIONS AND IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THE AGREEMENT WAS
REACHED AT THE END OF TWO DAYS OF SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TALKS IN
THE IRAQI CAPITAL. THE MAIN OBSTACLE WAS IRAQ'S INSISTENCE THAT
TIME LIMITS BE IMPOSED ON WEAPONS INSPECTIONS. THE U-N SECURITY
COUNCIL REJECTED THAT DEMAND AND IRAQ APPEARS TO HAVE WITHDRAWN
IT AFTER A MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN AND U-N
SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN.
MR. ANNAN SAYS HE IS PLEASED WITH THE AGREEMENT WHICH IS EXPECTED
TO BE SIGNED IN BAGHDAD ON MONDAY. FULL DETAILS OF THE DOCUMENT
WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL LATER IN THE WEEK AFTER MR. ANNAN
BRIEFS THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL IN NEW YORK.
IF APPROVED BY THE SECURITY COUNCIL, THE AGREEMENT IS EXPECTED TO
SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE CHANCES OF RENEWED U-S MILITARY STRIKES
AGAINST IRAQ. (SIGNED)
NEB/MR/ENE-T/SD
22-Feb-98 7:34 PM EST (0034 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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