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20 September 1999

Text: Albright on Conversation with Free Iraqi Leaders, September 20

(They agree Saddam Hussein must comply fully with UN obligations)
(400)
"The Baghdad regime has tried hard to silence the Iraqi people, and to
hide the evidence of its crimes against them. This courageous group,
visiting New York for the opening of the [U.N.] General Assembly, has
shown that Saddam Hussein has failed," Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright said September 20.
Albright said that in her conversation with the delegation of Free
Iraqis, they "agreed on the need for Saddam Hussein to comply fully
with UNSCR 688, among the other obligations imposed by the world
community for the protection of the Iraqi people and their neighbors."
The Secretary expressed the hope that other free countries will join
in supporting the Iraqi people in "recovering the country and setting
it back in its rightful place among civilized nations."
Following is the State Department text:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(New York, New York)
September 20, 1999
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT
I was very pleased to have another conversation with this delegation
of prominent, free Iraqis.
The most important thing for any captive people is to have a voice.
The Baghdad regime has tried hard to silence the Iraqi people, and to
hide the evidence of its crimes against them. This courageous group,
visiting New York for the opening of the General Assembly, has shown
that Saddam Hussein has failed.
These free Iraqi leaders told me of the regime's continuing daily
oppression against all those Iraqis still subject to Baghdad's
control. They emphasized their concern to relieve the suffering of the
Iraqi people, while preventing any of their country's wealth from
going back to Saddam Hussein for palaces and poison gas.
We particularly agreed on the need for Saddam Hussein to comply fully
with UNSCR 688, among the other obligations imposed by the world
community for the protection of the Iraqi people and their neighbors.
I was glad to hear that other governments will join us in listening to
these brave, free voices of Iraq, as the UNGA considers how to support
the Iraqi people against the depredations of their own government.
I hope other free countries will join in supporting the Iraq people in
recovering the country and setting it back in its rightful place among
civilized nations.
(end text)