DATE=2/20/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227078
TITLE=IRAQ/ANAN TALKS
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANAN IS IN IRAQ
FOR TALKS ON UN WEAPONS INSPECTIONS. MR ANAN HOPES TO PREVENT
AN ARMED CONFLICT INVOLVING IRAQ BY CONVINCING BAGHDAD TO ALLOW
THE UN INSPECTORS INTO 8 PRESIDENTIAL SITES RECENTLY DECLARED OFF
LIMITS. VOA'S MAX RUSTON IS IN BAGHDAD.
TEXT: UN OFFICIALS SAY MR ANAN'S JOB OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL
BE TO FIND WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS A "FIGLEAF" FOR IRAQ. IN OTHER
WORDS A FACE SAVING MEASURE THAT WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR IRAQI
PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN TO DROP RESTRICTIONS HE HAS IMPOSED ON
THE MOVEMENTS OF UN WEAPONS INSPECTORS.
IRAQ HAS GIVEN SOME INDICATION THAT IT MAY BE WILLING TO PERMIT
WIDER INSPECTIONS IF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE INSPECTION TEAM'S
NAME AND CHARACTER ARE CHANGED. BUT DIPLOMATS SAY PRIVATELY THEY
BELIEVE THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE THE IRAQI LEADER WANTS A MILITARY
CONFLICT AND WILL DO NOTHING TO PREVENT IT.
THE UNITED STATES AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES SAY THEY WILL LAUNCH
MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ IF THE UN INSPECTIONS TEAM IS NOT
GIVEN UNLIMITED ACCESS TO WEAPONS SITES.
MR ANAN BEGINS FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS SATURDAY. TALKS ARE EXPECTED
TO LAST THRU THE WEEKEND. (SIGNED)
NEB/MPR/PLM
20-Feb-98 5:47 PM EST (2247 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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