DATE=12/17/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243150
TITLE=INDIA / IRAQ (L-ONLY)
BYLINE=DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: INDIA HAS CALLED FOR AN IMMEDIATE HALT TO THE U-S LED AIR
STRIKES ON IRAQ. VOA NEW DELHI CORRESPONDENT DOUGLAS BAKSHIAN
HAS THE STORY.
TEXT: PRIME MINISTER ATAL BEHARI VAJPAYEE, IN A STATEMENT
RELEASED TO PARLIAMENT, SAYS THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT IS GRAVELY
CONCERNED AND DEPLORES THESE AIR STRIKES.
HE SAYS THE ATTACK RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROCEDURES
OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL AND UNDERMINES THE
COUNCIL'S ABILITY TO VERIFY IRAQ'S COMPLIANCE WITH RELEVANT
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS.
MR. VAJPAYEE CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE HALT TO THE MILITARY ACTION
AND A RESUMPTION OF DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
UNITED NATIONS.
MR. VAJPAYEE SAYS INDIA HAS BEEN DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE
SUFFERING OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND HAS CALLED FOR THE LIFTING OF
SANCTIONS IN COORDINATION WITH IRAQ'S COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS.
MANY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE
STATEMENT AND CALLED FOR A STRONGER RESPONSE BY THE GOVERNMENT.
OPPOSITION CONGRESS PARTY LEADER SHARAD PAWAR SAYS THE ACTION
SHOULD BE CONDEMNED AND OTHER LAWMAKERS DESCRIBED THE STRIKE AS
AN EXAMPLE OF THE ARROGANCE OF POWER.
INDRAJIT GUPTA, A LEADER OF THE INDIAN COMMUNIST PARTY, SAYS THE
ATTACKS ARE A DEVICE BY PRESIDENT CLINTON TO DELAY HIS
IMPEACHMENT BY THE U-S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
/// REST OPT /// THE UNITED STATES THURSDAY LAUNCHED CRUISE
MISSILE ATTACKS ON IRAQ IN THE FIRST PHASE OF A CAMPAIGN AIMED AT
WRECKING THE COUNTY'S CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS PROGRAM.
THE ATTACKS FOLLOW WEDNESDAY'S EVACUATION OF U-N WEAPONS
INSPECTORS FROM BAGHDAD AFTER THEY ACCUSED IRAQ OF HALTING
COOPERATION. (SIGNED)
NEB/DAB/KL
17-Dec-98 7:30 AM EST (1230 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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