DATE=12/16/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243040
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N EVACUATION
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: REPORTS FROM IRAQ SAY UNITED NATIONS STAFF MEMBERS ARE
PREPARING TO EVACUATE THE COUNTRY. THE DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWS A
REPORT BY CHIEF U-N WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER (EDS:
TUESDAY) SAYING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN COOPERATING
FULLY WITH THE INSPECTIONS PROGRAM. SCOTT BOBB REPORTS
TEXT: WITNESSES IN BAGHDAD SAY U-N STAFF MEMBERS WERE PACKING
THEIR BAGS WEDNESDAY AND PREPARING TO LEAVE IRAQ FOR BAHRAIN.
THEY REPORT SEEING SUITCASES AND BOXES BEING LOADED INTO U-N
VEHICLES AT THE MAIN HEADQUARTERS IN THE IRAQI CAPITAL.
CHIEF WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER TUESDAY ISSUED A REPORT
SAYING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED TO FULLY COOPERATE WITH
U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS. MR. BUTLER SAID ON SOME OCCASIONS, IRAQI
OFFICIALS HAD HINDERED THE INSPECTORS, WHOSE MISSION IS TO
OVERSEE THE ELIMINATION OF IRAQ'S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
THE U-S GOVERNMENT HAS SAID IT COULD LAUNCH AIR STRIKES AGAINST
IRAQ IF IT FAILED TO COOPERATE FULLY. MILITARY STRIKES WERE ONLY
NARROWLY AVERTED IN NOVEMBER, AFTER IRAQ AGREED TO RESUME
COOPERATION FOLLOWING A STANDOFF OF SEVERAL MONTHS. (SIGNED)
NEB / SB / CB / WD
16-Dec-98 3:26 AM EST (0826 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
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