DATE=2/16/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-226835
TITLE=CLINTON / IRAQ (L)
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: PRESIDENT CLINTON IS TO OUTLINE THE GOALS OF POSSIBLE U-S
MILITARY ACTION IN IRAQ DURING A VISIT TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
TUESDAY. V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.
TEXT: AFTER MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF TO
REVIEW PLANS FOR POSSIBLE AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ, MR. CLINTON
WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON THE RATIONALE FOR SUCH ACTION, AND MAKE
CLEAR THAT U-S AND IRAQI CASUALTIES ARE EXPECTED.
IT IS PART OF A CAMPAIGN BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO SHORE UP
DOMESTIC SUPPORT FOR ANY MILITARY ACTION IN IRAQ, IF DIPLOMACY
FAILS TO END THE STANDOFF OVER U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.
ON WEDNESDAY, DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT AND NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SANDY BERGER
WILL TAKE THEIR MESSAGE DIRECTLY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, WHEN
THEY HOLD A TOWN HALL-STYLE DISCUSSION AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.
U-S OFFICIALS BEGAN STEPPING UP THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN
LAST FRIDAY, WHEN MR. BERGER USED A SPEECH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS
CLUB TO ARGUE THAT BAGHDAD'S WEAPONS PROGRAM IS A THREAT TO
IRAQ'S NEIGHBORS AND TO U-S INTERESTS IN THE REGION.
THE MOVE WAS SEEN AS A RESPONSE TO CONGRESSIONAL CRITICISM OF THE
ADMINISTRATION FOR NOT FULLY EXPLAINING THE GOALS OF U-S POLICY
TOWARD IRAQ.
LAWMAKERS HAVE PUT OFF A VOTE ON A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THEIR
SUPPORT FOR THE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ UNTIL THEY RETURN FROM
THEIR FEBRUARY RECESS NEXT MONDAY, EVEN THOUGH THEY SAY THEY WILL
ULTIMATELY BACK ANY U-S ACTION IN THE GULF. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAT/MMK
16-Feb-98 3:27 PM EST (2027 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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