DATE=2/17/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-226914
TITLE=U-N / IRAQ DIPLOMACY (L)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY
COUNCIL REACHED AGREEMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL
KOFI ANNAN TO TRAVEL TO IRAQ LATER THIS WEEK FOR NEGOTIATIONS ON
THE INSPECTION OF SUSPECTED WEAPONS SITES. V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT
MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM THE UNITED NATIONS.
TEXT: THE AGREEMENT OPENS THE WAY FOR U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI
ANNAN TO TRAVEL TO BAGHDAD FOR NEGOTIATIONS AIMED AT AVOIDING A
MILITARY CONFLICT. IT WAS REACHED AFTER NEARLY A WEEK OF TALKS
BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE
SECURITY COUNCIL -- THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, CHINA, FRANCE AND
RUSSIA.
U-S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS BILL RICHARDSON SAYS THE
UNITED STATES IS NOW SUPPORTIVE OF MR. ANNAN'S NEGOTIATING
MISSION.
/// RICHARDSON ACT ///
THE PERMANENT FIVE HAS GIVEN THE SECRETARY-GENERAL SOME
AGREED ADVICE. THAT ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE U-S
POSITION ... FREE, UNFETTERED ACCESS TO ALL SITES, FULL
INTEGRITY OF UNSCOM, AND WE ARE PLEASED WITH THIS
MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY-GENERAL IN WHICH THE P-5 WAS
ABLE TO AGREE ORALLY WITH A NUMBER OF BASIC PRINCIPLES.
/// END ACT ///
MR. ANNAN DESCRIBED HIS MEETING WITH KEY SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
AS VERY CONSTRUCTIVE. HE SAID HE DOES NOT WANT TO GO TO IRAQ
SIMPLY AS A MESSENGER OF WARNINGS OR THREATS FROM THE SECURITY
COUNCIL. HE SAYS HE WOULD LIKE TO GO AS A MEDIATOR AND
FACILITATOR.
/// ANNAN ACT ///
IT IS MY HOPE THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION
THAT WILL ENSURE THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL SECURITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTIOJNS.
/// END ACT ///
MR. ANNAN IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE IN BAGHDAD ON FRIDAY. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/PT
17-Feb-98 7:37 PM EST (0037 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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