DATE=9/14/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-238617
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N SANCTIONS (L)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: IRAQ'S PARLIAMENT IS URGING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT TO CUT
ALL CONTACTS WITH UNITED NATIONS ARMS INSPECTORS UNLESS THE U-N
SECURITY COUNCIL RESUMES ITS REGULAR REVIEWS OF IRAQ'S WEAPONS
DISARMAMENT PROGRAM. AS V-O-A MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT SCOTT
BOBB REPORTS, THE SECURITY COUNCIL LAST WEEK VOTED TO SUSPEND THE
REVIEWS BECAUSE OF REDUCED IRAQI COOPERATION IN THE INSPECTIONS.
TEXT: IRAQ'S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSED THE RESOLUTION UNANIMOUSLY
(MONDAY) AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF DEBATE.
THE RESOLUTION URGES THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL TO CANCEL ITS
DECISION TO SUSPEND REGULAR REVIEWS, IN ITS WORDS, TO MAKE IT
POSSIBLE TO HOLD A DIALOGUE IN AN ATMOSPHERE FREE OF PRESSURE AND
THREAT.
THE RESOLUTION ADDS THAT IF THE SECURITY COUNCIL DOES NOT RENEW
THE REGULAR REVIEWS, THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT SHOULD CUT ALL
RELATIONS AND END ALL COOPERATION WITH THE U-N SPECIAL
COMMISSION.
U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS FOR THE PAST MONTH HAVE ENGAGED IN A
SCALED-DOWN VERSION OF THEIR PROGRAM TO ENSURE IRAQ ELIMINATES
ITS WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. THE INSPECTORS HAVE CONTINUED
TO MONITOR PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WEAPONS SITES IN IRAQ, BUT HAVE
NOT CARRIED OUT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS.
THE INSPECTIONS PROGRAM WAS REDUCED AFTER IRAQ ANNOUNCED IT WAS
ENDING COOPERATION WITH THE U-N SPECIAL COMMISSION BECAUSE U-N
INSPECTORS REFUSED TO CERTIFY IRAQ HAD ELIMINATED ALL ITS WEAPONS
OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
THIS CERTIFICATION IS NECESSARY BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS WILL
END ECONOMIC SANCTIONS THAT HAVE SEVERELY HURT THE IRAQI ECONOMY.
/// REST OPT ///
U-N OFFICIALS HAVE SAID IRAQ IS CLOSE TO RECEIVING THE
CERTIFICATION. BUT IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY U-N INSPECTORS ARE TRYING
TO PROLONG THE INSPECTIONS AT THE URGING OF THE U-S AND BRITISH
GOVERNMENTS WHICH, IT SAYS, WANT THE SANCTIONS MAINTAINED.
A SIMILAR STANDOFF EARLIER THIS YEAR LED TO THREATS BY THE U-S
AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS OF AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ. THAT CRISIS
WAS DEFUSED BY U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN, WHO APPOINTED A
SPECIAL ENVOY TO IRAQ AND PROPOSED A COMPLETE REVIEW OF IRAQI
PROGRESS ON THE DISARMAMENT PROGRAM. IRAQ HAS ALSO CALLED FOR A
COMPLETE REVIEW BUT SAYS IT SHOULD COME AFTER THE SANCTIONS ARE
LIFTED. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/JWH
14-Sep-98 11:00 AM EDT (1500 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
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