DATE=11/14/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-241688
TITLE=U-N - IRAQ / SATURDAY (S - UPDATE)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: IRAQ HAS (SATURDAY) REASSURED THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY
COUNCIL THAT THERE ARE NO CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO ITS PLEDGE TO
RESUME COOPERATION WITH U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS. THE COUNCIL IS
MEETING AT THIS HOUR TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE. V-O-A'S U-N
CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS.
TEXT: IRAQI AMBASSADOR NIZAR HAMDOON PRESENTED THE REASSURANCE
IN THE FORM A BRIEF LETTER ADDRESSED TO SECURITY COUNCIL
PRESIDENT PETER BURLEIGH OF THE UNITED STATES. THERE WAS NO
IMMEDIATE INDICATION WHETHER THE LETTER, SIGNED BY MR. HAMDOON,
WOULD BE ENOUGH TO CONVINCE U-S AUTHORITIES TO ACCEPT THE IRAQI
PLEDGE.
IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL, U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN SAID HE
ACCEPTS THE IRAQI LETTER AS AN UNCONDITIONAL AGREEMENT. FRANCE
AND RUSSIA HAVE TAKEN A SIMILAR STAND.
IF THE COUNCIL DECIDES TO ACCEPT THE IRAQI PLEDGE, DIPLOMATS SAY
THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO REDEPLOY U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS IN IRAQ,
WHERE THEY HAVE HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE THAT BAGHDAD IS
MAINTAINING THE CAPABILITY TO PRODUCE WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION. COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY THAT WILL BE THE MOST IMPORTANT
TEST OF IRAQ'S PROMISES. (SIGNED)
NEB/UN/MPR/SD
14-Nov-98 9:25 PM EST (0225 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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