04 March 1998
TEXT: MILITARY FORCES IN "HIGH STATE OF PREPAREDNESS" IN GULF
(American citizens cautioned concerning travel to the region) (550) Washington -- Until Iraq demonstrates its full compliance with the United Nations Security Council agreement on the implementation of UNSC resolutions, "the United States and its coalition allies will continue to keep their military forces in the Persian Gulf at a high state of preparedness," the Department of State announced March 3. As part of its military preparation, the Department of Defense announced on March 3 that it will begin inoculating military and other DOD personnel against anthrax, according to the statement from the Office of the Spokesman. The Spokesman's office encouraged all Americans to remain informed and to make their own decisions concerning travel to the region. Those residing or traveling abroad are also encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information on security conditions. Following is the text of the public announcement: (For more information on this subject, contact our special Iraq website at: http://www.usia.gov/iraq) (Begin text) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman MIDDLE EAST March 3, 1998 While the United Nations Secretary General has reached an agreement with Iraq on the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, until Iraq's full compliance with that agreement has been demonstrated, the United States and its coalition allies will continue to keep their military forces in the Persian Gulf at a high state of preparedness. As part of its military preparation, the Department of Defense announced on March 3 that it will begin inoculating military and other DOD personnel against anthrax. The best assessment currently available continues to be that there is a low probability of attack by Iraq and that the possibility of Iraq resorting to the use of chemical or biological weapons is remote, however, neither can be excluded. The U.S. Government is not able to provide vaccinations to the American public residing in or traveling to the region. There is only a single source for the vaccine and it is our understanding that virtually all the vaccine produced is under Defense Department contract for primarily military use and a small number of other official uses. We encourage all Americans to remain informed and to make their own decisions concerning travel to the region. Detailed information on anthrax and other chemical/biological agents can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) either at the CDC website (http:\\www.cdc.gov) or via its international travelers hotline (404-332-4559). Travelers should also consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, fact sheet on chemical and biological warfare, and regional travel brochures, and refer to the Department's advisories on security awareness overseas. American citizens residing or traveling abroad are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information on security conditions. The Department of State continues to monitor the situation closely and will advise the American community immediately if this assessment changes. This Public Announcement supplements the February 5 "Worldwide Caution" Public Announcement, and the Middle East and South Asia Announcement issued February 10. This Public Announcement expires June 2, 1998. (End text)
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