DATE=2/22/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227131
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N AGREEMENT (S)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N AND IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT
ON ALLOWING U-N INSPECTORS UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO WEAPON SITES IN
IRAQ. V-O-A'S MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM BAGHDAD WHERE THE
AGREEMENT WAS REACHED.
TEXT: UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS SAY THEY AGREED ON THE TEXT OF
THE DOCUMENT IN LATE NIGHT TALKS SUNDAY ON THE SECOND DAY OF
NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN. U-N AND
IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL SIGN THE AGREEMENT MONDAY.
IF THE AGREEMENT IS ACCEPTED BY THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE
U-N SECURITY COUNCIL IT IS EXPECTED TO PREVENT RENEWED MILITARY
STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.
THE MAIN OBSTACLE TO THE AGREEMENT WAS ELIMINATED MID-DAY SUNDAY
IN TALKS BETWEEN MR. ANNAN AND IRAQI PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN.
THAT OBSTACLE DEALT WITH IRAQ'S INSISTENCE THAT WEAPONS
INSPECTIONS BE LIMITED TO 60 DAYS A DEMAND SECURITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS REJECTED.
MR. ANNAN IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE BAGHDAD MONDAY FOR NEW YORK WHERE
HE WILL SEEK FORMAL APPROVAL FOR THE AGREEMENT FROM THE U-N
SECURITY COUNCIL. (SIGNED)
NEB/MR/ENE-T/SD
22-Feb-98 4:25 PM EST (2125 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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