DATE=7/27/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N - IRAQ - V-X (L - ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252219
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United Nations Security Council today
(Tuesday) allowed an international weapons team to
proceed with the destruction of V-X nerve gas samples
in Baghdad. The decision to allow destruction of the
samples was made despite protests from Russia, China
and France. More from our U-N correspondent Max
Ruston.
TEXT: Efforts to postpone destruction of the seven
V-X nerve gas samples were led by Russia, which said
they should first be analyzed. Diplomats say Russia,
Iraq, China and France suspect that analysis of the
samples will result in evidence against the U-N
Special Commission - UNSCOM - which carries out
weapons monitoring and inspections in Iraq. Baghdad
has suggested that UNSCOM used the samples to plant
false evidence at weapons sites in Iraq -- a charge
UNSCOM denies.
UNSCOM says the samples were used to calibrate testing
equipment at its laboratory in Baghdad. UNSCOM
officials say they have never made any attempt to hide
information concerning the samples.
Diplomats say the Security Council, in discussions
Tuesday, failed to reach a consensus on the issue.
Britain and the United States supported destruction of
the samples, as did a majority of the other members of
the Council. Therefore existing plans for the
destruction of the samples were not altered.
Diplomats say that as part of a compromise agreement,
UNSCOM has agreed to answer a series of questions from
the Security Council concerning its testing laboratory
in Baghdad. (Signed)
NEB/MPR/TVM/pt
27-Jul-1999 17:54 PM LOC (27-Jul-1999 2154 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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