DATE=8/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U.S. - IRAQ POLICY (S-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252771
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Clinton administration is reported to be
considering stepping up its air campaign over Iraq as
a way to strengthen efforts to contain the threat
posed by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to his neighbors.
The move comes amid growing Congressional criticism of
the low-scale bombing operation the United States has
conducted over the past eight months. Correspondent
Deborah Tate reports from the White House.
Text: The New York Times (newspaper) Friday quotes
unnamed senior U.S. officials as saying some in the
administration are pushing for a broader and more
punishing bombing campaign over Iraq.
U.S. and British planes have conducted a low-scale
bombing operation in response to Iraqi provocations
over the last eight months during their patrols of
the northern and southern parts of the country. But
the Times says the campaign has done nothing to curb
the attacks from Iraqi gunners, and there does not
appear to be any end in sight to the allied mission.
In a similar vein, a letter sent the President this
week from a bipartisan group of lawmakers criticizes
what they call "a continued drift" in U.S. policy
toward Iraq, and warns there is considerable evidence
that Baghdad continues to seek to develop and acquire
weapons of mass destruction.
When asked about the Times article and the lawmakers'
letter, National Security Council spokesman David
Leavy defended U.S. policy -- calling it "tough," and
saying Saddam Hussein has never been more isolated.
But he did not comment on any plans to intensify the
air campaign. (Signed)
NEB/DAT/DAG/WTW
13-Aug-1999 13:08 PM EDT (13-Aug-1999 1708 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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