DATE=12/20/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243317
TITLE=IRAQ STRIKES END (S)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=AMMAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: RESIDENTS OF IRAQ ARE TRYING TO RESUME THEIR NORMAL LIVES
AND PICK UP THE PIECES FROM FOUR NIGHTS OF AIR STRIKES BY U-S AND
BRITISH FORCES. HOWEVER, A DEFIANT IRAQI GOVERNMENT SAID SUNDAY
IT WILL NOT ALLOW THE DISPUTED U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS PROGRAM
WHICH LED TO THE STRIKES TO RESUME. MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT
SCOTT BOBB REPORTS FROM AMMAN.
TEXT: IRAQIS LEFT THEIR BOMB SHELTERS SUNDAY AND RETURNED HOME,
AS AUTHORITIES ASSESSED THE DAMAGE FROM FOUR NIGHTS OF HEAVY AIR
STRIKES.
U-S AND BRITISH OFFICIALS CLAIM SUCCESS -- SAYING NEARLY 100
SITES WERE HIT, INCLUDING MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS,
MISSILE PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND BARRACKS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL
GUARD.
PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCED A HALT TO THE BOMBINGS SATURDAY
NIGHT, SAYING HE HOPED THE U-N INSPECTORS WOULD RETURN. LACK OF
IRAQI COOPERATION IN THE INSPECTIONS LED TO THE STRIKES. U-S
OFFICIALS SAID THEY WOULD RESUME ATTACKS, IF IRAQ SOUGHT TO
REBUILD ITS WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
HOWEVER, IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY ANYTHING RELATING TO THE INSPECTIONS
IS FINISHED -- ADDING THAT ANY SUCH WEAPONS WOULD HAVE BEEN
DESTROYED BY THE AIR ATTACKS. (SIGNED)
NEB / SB / DW / WD
20-Dec-98 5:36 AM EST (1036 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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