DATE=2/21/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227105
TITLE=U-S / IRAQ (L)
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: AS U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFFI ANNAN CONTINUES HIS MISSION
IN BAGHDAD AIMED AT FINDING A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION TO THE STANDOFF
OVER U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS, THE UNITED STATES IS MOVING FORWARD
WITH PREPARATIONS FOR POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ IF
MR. ANNAN'S TALKS FAIL. VOA'S WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH
TATE HAS A REPORT.
TEXT: MR. CLINTON DISCUSSED IRAQ WITH HIS TOP FOREIGN POLICY
ADVISORS SATURDAY. WHILE U-S OFFICIALS HOPE SECRETARY GENERAL
ANNAN'S MISSION SUCCEEDS, THEY SAY PREPARATIONS FOR U-S MILITARY
ACTION REMAIN ON TRACK.
THE MISSION BY MR. ANNAN, WHO IS NOT EXPECTED BACK TO NEW YORK
BEFORE TUESDAY, IS SEEN AS A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO AVERT U-S
AIRSTRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SANDY BERGER REITERATED THAT ANY
DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION MUST MEET TWO FUNDAMENTAL CONDITIONS: ALLOW
U-N INSPECTORS TO TOTAL ACCESS TO ALL SUSPECTED WEAPONS SITES,
INCLUDING PRESIDENTIAL SITES, AND ALLOW UNSCOM, THE TEAM OF U-N
WEAPONS EXPERTS IN BAGHDAD, TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE INSPECTION
PROCESS.
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS THERE ARE NO SIGNS
EVIDENT THAT IRAQI LEADER SADDAM HUSSEIN WANTS A PECEFUL END TO
THE CRISIS. HE SAYS THERE CONTINUE TO BE PROVOCATIVE STATEMENTS
ISSUED FROM BAGHDAD AND NO INDICATION OF A COMPLETE WILLINGNESS
TO RESOLVE THE STANDOFF IN A PEACEFUL FASHION.
AS HE SPOKE HUNDREDS OF ANTIWAR DEMONSTRATORS PROTESTED THE
POSSIBLE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ AT A RALLY IN LAFAYETTE PARK,
WHICH FACES THE WHITE HOUSE.
MEANWHILE THE STATE DEPARTMENT IS WARNING AMERICANS IN BAGHDAD TO
LEAVE AS SOON POSSIBLE. MR. MCCURRY CALLS THE MOVE ROUTINE AND
SAYS IT SHOULD NOT BE SEEN AS A SIGN THAT MILITARY ACTION IS
EVIDENT. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAT/KL
21-Feb-98 5:03 PM EST (2203 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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