DATE=2/20/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227038
TITLE=ANNAN/BAGHDAD (L)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN ARRIVES IN THE
IRAQI CAPITAL, BAGHDAD, IN A MATTER OF HOURS. MR ANNAN WILL TRY
TO NEGOTIATE A PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO THE STAND-OFF OVER THE
INSPECTION OF SUSPECTED IRAQI WEAPON SITES. V-O-A CORRESPONDENT
MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM BAGHDAD.
TEXT: THE FOCUS OF MR ANNAN'S VISIT WILL BE A FULL DAY OF TALKS
ON SATURDAY. IRAQ HAS ASSEMBLED A HIGH LEVEL TEAM FOR THOSE
NEGOTIATIONS, WHICH INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE DOZEN GOVERNMENT
MINISTERS. AT SOME POINT DURING THOSE TALKS, MR ANNAN IS
EXPECTED TO MEET WITH IRAQI PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN, BUT NO
SPECIFIC TIME OR PLACE FOR THAT MEETING HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED.
DIPLOMATS IN BAGHDAD SAY THEY BELIEVE MR. ANNAN HAS A 50/50
CHANCE OF NEGOTIATING A SOLUTION TO THE WEAPONS INSPECTION
DISPUTE. THEY WARN THAT IF HE FAILS THAT COULD OPEN THE WAY FOR
MORE COUNTRIES TO SUPPORT U-S PLANS FOR A MILITARY STRIKE AGAINST
IRAQ.
THE U-N SECRETARY GENERAL IS BELIEVED PLANNING TO PROPOSE VARIOUS
SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGING THE LOOK OF THE UNSCOM WEAPONS
INSPECTION TEAM. THE PROPOSALS ARE DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN THE
STRENGTH AND SKILLS OF THE TEAM WHILE GIVING IRAQ A NEW CHANCE TO
AVOID A MILITARY CONFLICT.
THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE UN SECURITY
COUNCIL HAVE VOICED SUPPORT FOR MR ANNAN'S VISIT TO BAGHDAD ON
THE CONDITION THAT ANY SOLUTION REACHED DOES NOT EASE
REQUIREMENTS FOR BAGHDAD TO FULLY ABIDE BY UN RESOLUTIONS ON
WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.
US OFFICIALS HAVE PUBLICLY DISCOURAGED MR ANNAN FROM MAKING ANY
SIGNIFICANT CONCESSIONS IN HIS TALKS WITH BAGHDAD BUT UN
OFFICIALS SAY THEY STILL BELIEVE THERE REMAINS SOME ROOM FOR A
COMPROMISED SETTLEMENT THAT WOULD ALLOW THE CONTINUATION OF
WEAPONS INSPECTIONS WITHOUT MAKING IT LOOK AS IF SUDDAM HUSSEIN
HAS CAVED IN TO WESTERN DEMANDS. THEY SAY SUCH A SOLUTION --
CENTERED ON SO CALLED FACE-SAVING AGREEMENTS -- OFFER THE BEST
HOPES FOR AVOIDING THE CONFLICT.
IN BAGHDAD, THERE ARE FEW VISIBLE SIGNS OF CONCERN OVER THE
MOUNTING US PREPARATIONS FOR MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.
SECURITY IS TIGHT IN PREPARATION FOR THE U-N SECRETARY GENERAL'S
VISIT. THE UNITED NATIONS IS REDUCING ITS STAFF IN BAGHDAD.
ELECTRICITY SHORTAGES REMAIN A PROBLEM FOR MOST RESIDENTS, BUT
SHOPS REMAIN OPEN AND PEOPLE ON THE STREETS SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE
MAJOR FEARS CONCERNING THE STAND-OFF WEAPONS INSPECTIONS (SIGNED
NEB/TM/WFR
20-Feb-98 7:15 AM EST (1215 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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