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May 1999

• RFE/RL Iraq Report, Volume 2, Number 21 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 28 May 1999 -- THE IMPACT OF U.S. ASSISTANCE ON THE IRAQI OPPOSITION / BAGHDAD WARNS KURDS / A DIVISIVE CONGRESS OF KURDISTAN / OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM RENEWED FOR SIXTH TIME / QUSAYY'S PROMOTION LEADS TO ARRESTS OF RELATIVES / PAPAL JOURNEY TO IRAQ 'ONLY A PLAN.'
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar and ground fire INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (31 May 1999) -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-16CJ Fighting Falcons launched an AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) at an Iraqi radar site in the vicinity of Mosul.
• TRANSCRIPT: INDYK DISCUSSES NEW ISRAELI GOVERNMENT, IRAQ POLICY USIA 26 May 1999 -- The Israeli election has provided Ehud Barak a mandate for change, Assistant Secretary of State Martin Indyk said in a WorldNet discussion with journalists May 26. "The Israeli people are now looking for a way to move forward in the peace process."
• IRAQI OPPOSITION LEADERS PLEDGE A CHANGE OF REGIME IN BAGHDAD Voice of America 25 May 1999 -- "We want to bring together all Iraqis and for one purpose -- to get our Iraq back," Hoshyar Zebari, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the newly created Iraqi National Congress' Interim Leadership Council, said May 25 at a discussion hosted by the Washington Institute on Near East Policy on a post-Saddam Hussein government in Iraq.
• Iraq News 25 May 1999 -- The INC leadership is in Wash DC. It met with Sec State Madeleine Albright yesterday and will meet with NSC Adviser Sandy Berger Thurs. But as the wire services are reporting, including AP, May 24, "U.S. won't Give Military Aid to Anti-Saddam Iraqis," the administration remains unwilling to implement the Iraq Liberation Act (ILA), even as it has no other policy to deal with the Saddam threat. Netanyahu was concerned that if an effort were made to overthrow Saddam and if Saddam were cornered, he would lash out, targeting Israel with missiles carrying unconventional weapons.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire 25 May 1999 (AFPN) -- Operation Northern Watch F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12 and GBU-10 laser-guided bombs on a communication site north of Mosul. The site was used to feed location data on ONW aircraft to Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile sites.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi AAA fire INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (25 May 1999) -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-10 and GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on a communication site north of Mosul.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing MAY 24, 1999 -- We are planning to forward to the Hill in the next few weeks our plans for initiating a draw-down on non-lethal equipment and training under the Iraq Liberation Act. Under this plan, and in consultation with the Iraqis -- that is, the opposition Iraqis -- we would provide assistance under three broad categories which will help to build unity among the opposition, develop greater political infrastructure, and enable them to get their message out more effectively. These categories are: The establishment of an opposition headquarters and satellite offices; training; and public advocacy on behalf of the Iraqi people. This assistance will help the Iraqi opposition build further cohesion and representation of the broad spectrum of Iraqis who oppose Saddam Hussein.
• SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS DISCUSS VISIT OF IRAQI OPPOSITIONUSIA 24 May 1999 -- Two senior Administration officials briefed reporters at the State Department May 24 on the visit of a delegation of Iraqi opposition figures to Washington. The group met with Secretary of State Albright earlier in the day and will spend the rest of the week consulting with government officials and meeting with local think-tanks.
• SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS DISCUSS VISIT OF IRAQI OPPOSITION USIA 24 May 1999 -- Two senior Administration officials briefed reporters at the State Department May 24 on the visit of a delegation of Iraqi opposition figures to Washington. The group met with Secretary of State Albright earlier in the day and will spend the rest of the week consulting with government officials and meeting with local think-tanks.
• IRAQI OPPOSITION Voice of America 24 May 1999 -- THE UNITED STATES IS ANNOUNCING PLANS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO IRAQI OPPOSITION GROUPS, TO HELP THEM BUILD POPULAR SUPPORT INSIDE IRAQ.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire(23 May 1999) -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on anti-aircraft artillery sites west of Mosul.
• RFE/RL Iraq Report, Volume 2, Number 20 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 21 May 1999 -- IS SADDAM SET TO REVOKE OIL-FOR-FOOD AGREEMENT? / UN SECURITY COUNCIL EXAMINES SANCTIONS REGIME / ANTI-REGIME ASSASINATIONS REPORTED / IRAQI OPPOSITION TO SEEK U.S. ROLE IN KURDISTAN / IRAQ INCREASES DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY / QUSAYY TO FORM SPECIAL BATALLION / KURDISH PARLIAMENT-IN-EXILE TO BE FORMED. / .AS RIVAL KURDISH GROUPS SNIPE AT ONE ANOTHER / 'DROUGHT CATASTROPHE' IN IRAQI KURDISTAN / POPE WANTS TO VISIT UR
• UN CONCERNED ABOUT MEDICINES DISTRIBUTION IN IRAQ USIA 21 May 1999 -- The United Nations is concerned about the delay in distributing medical supplies and equipment in Iraq with almost $300 million of much-needed supplies still in warehouses, according to a report to the Security Council.
• U-N / IRAQ / HUMANITARIAN Voice of America 21 May 1999 -- THE UNITED NATIONS HAS RENEWED ITS OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM FOR IRAQ, WHICH PROVIDES HUMANITARIAN EXCEPTIONS TO SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON BAGHDAD AFTER THE GULF WAR.
• U-N / IRAQ DEADLOCK Voice of America 19 May 1999 -- MEMBERS OF THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL ARE PREPARING FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS AIMED AT BREAKING THEIR DEADLOCK OVER WHAT TO DO NEXT ABOUT IRAQ. THERE ARE NEW INDICATIONS KEY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL ARE WILLING TO COMPROMISE ON SOME ISSUES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEADLOCK.
• TEXT: CLINTON REPORTS ON IRAQ'S NON-COMPLIANCE WITH UN RESOLUTIONS USIA 19 May 1999 -- President Clinton reported to Congress May 19 on the status of efforts to obtain Iraq's compliance with the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). His last report was transmitted on March 3, 1999.
• SECURITY COUNCIL LOOKING AT NEW PLANS FOR IRAQ USIA 19 May 1999 -- The Security Council has begun discussing two proposed resolutions to replace the so-called oil-for-food plans under which Iraq is allowed to sell oil to pay for humanitarian supplies for Iraqi civilians. The plan will expire later in May and council members are looking for an alternative that will loosen the control on oil sales while inducing Baghdad to resume cooperation with the UN on disarmament.
• COALITION AIRCRAFT RESPOND TO IRAQI AGGRESSION May 17, 1999 -- U.S. Air Force A-10 "Thunderbolt II" and U.S. Navy FA-18 "Hornets" used precision guided munitions to strike a Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) site and an Anti-Aircraft Artillery Site near the towns of Abu Sukhayar, about 100 miles south of Baghdad; and An Nasiriyah, about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad. This incident brings the number of Iraqi provocations in the No-Fly Zones since the end of Operation DESERT FOX to more than 180.
• IRAQ'S NEW CITY FOR SADDAM Voice of America 17 May 1999 -- THIS MONTH, IRAQI DICTATOR SADDAM HUSSEIN CELEBRATED HIS SIXTY-SECOND BIRTHDAY BY PRESIDING OVER THE OPENING OF A LUXURIOUS VACATION CITY AT AL-THARTHAR LAKE.
• Iraq News 17 May 1999 -- the Israeli Defense Forces [IDF] have prepared a new assessment of the threats facing Israel. The #1 threat is the missile threat from Iraq and Iran. That is an astonishing statement.
• Coalition aircraft targeted by Iraqi radar (15 May 1999) -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-16CJ Fighting Falcons dropped AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM) and F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on anti-aircraft artillery sites north of Mosul.
• RFE/RL Iraq Report, Volume 2, Number 19 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 14 May 1999 -- WEEKLY NEWSPAPER CLOSED DOWN FOR "INCORRECT NEWS." / SECTARIANISM VERSUS GEOPOLITICS: IRAQ AND KOSOVA / SECTARIANISM VERSUS GEOPOLITICS: IRAQ AND KOSOVA / MALAYSIA SUPPORTS IRAQ IN LIFTING OF SANCTIONS / IRAQI AIR DEFENSE COMMAND TALLIES AIR STRIKES / IRAQ LIFTS BAN ON SHI'ITE ACTIVITY / SADDAM FORMS 'EMERGENCY MINI-CABINET.' / IRAQI GENERAL TAKES RUSSIAN PAYOFF / BRITISH, DUTCH ATTEMPT TO WIN CONSENSUS ON IRAQ POLICY IN SECURITY COUNCIL / SYRIA OBJECTS TO BUILDING OF 'ELEISO' DAM / OCALAN ON NORTH, SOUTH KURDISTAN / MILITARY COUP IN IRAQ 'ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE.'
• SANCTIONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION Voice of America 14 May 1999 -- THE EFFECT OF THE SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAQ IS THE FOCUS OF AN ARTICLE IN "FOREIGN AFFAIRS" MAGAZINE THAT CLAIMS OVER THE YEARS, SANCTIONS HAVE KILLED MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN MUCH-FEARED WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
• Coalition aircraft targeted and fired upon at Operation Northern Watch(12 May 1999) -- Operation Northern Watch aircraft dropped GBU-12 and GBU-15 precision-guided bombs, and launched AGM-88 and AGM-130 missiles at Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery, radar and surface-to-air missile sites.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar threats May 11, 1999 -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on Iraqi radar sites northeast of Mosul.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi threats May 10, 1999 -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery and command and control sites northwest of Mosul.
• COALITION AIRCRAFT RESPOND TO IRAQI AGGRESSION UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND May 9, 1999 -- U.S. Air Force F-16CGs used precision guided munitions to strike a radar site and two communications sites. The strikes were conducted near the towns of Al Basrah, As Samawah and Al Hallah. This incident brings the number of Iraqi provocations in the No-Fly Zones since the end of Operation DESERT FOX to more than 165.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar threatsMay 8, 1999 -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery sites northwest of Mosul.
• RFE/RL Iraq Report, Volume 2, Number 18 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 7 May 1999 -- MORE EVIDENCE OF SADDAM'S AID TO MILOSEVIC / BAGHDAD DEFIANT IN FACE OF CONTINUED BOMBING / INC CRITICIZES UN / NO SURPRISES AT BAGHDAD CONFERENCE / QUSAYY TO BE NAMED SECOND IN COMMAND / IRAQ APPOINTS NEW AMBASSADOR TO AZERBAIJAN / IRAQ NEWS AGENCY NOW ON LINE / IRAN, SAUDI ARABIA DISCUSS IRAQ
• Iraq News 06 May 1999 -- Several U.S. members of Congress are prodding President Clinton's administration to move more quickly to disburse $97 million in U.S. funding available to Iraqi opposition groups.
• Iraq News 04 May 1999 -- With UNSCOM/IAEA gone from Iraq--it has been over 4 1/2 months--the Iraqis are probably out shopping for proscribed weapons, including fissile material for a bomb. Baghdad might be able to make significant progress in its missile program through illicit purchases, as the Iraqis have done such extensive testing that they know exactly what components they need. This, even as the US has no policy to deal with the problem.
• DoD News Briefing Monday, May 3, 1999 -- There's no concern that they're stepping up their challenges, because the challenges seem to be episodic, and they go through periods of intensity. We can't explain why there are long down periods with no challenges followed by periods of more rigorous intensity. The reason could be that he's constantly looking for ways to shoot down a U.S. plane, and therefore recalibrating his air defense and other systems better to enable him to do that. That's just speculation.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi missiles 3 May 1999 (AFPN) -- Operation Northern Watch F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Falcons fired AGM-88 and AGM-130 missiles at surface-to-air missile sites north of Mosul. Two Iraqi surface-to-air missiles were launched against coalition aircraft from a site located in a civilian town. Coalition aircraft did not target this site with bombs because of the potential for civilian casualties. The Iraqi placement of anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missile systems in civilian-populated areas increases the probability of civilian casualties.
• U-S / IRAQ USIA 03 May 1999 -- AMERICAN JETS AND IRAQI FORCES HAVE CLASHED AGAIN IN THE NO-FLY ZONE IN NORTHERN IRAQ NEAR (THE CITY OF) MOSUL -- WITH POSSIBLE CIVILIAN CASUALTIES.
• Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi missiles May 3, 1999 -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Falcons fired AGM-88 and AGM-130 missiles at surface-to-air missile sites north of Mosul. In addition, F-16C Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on one of the surface-to-air missile sites. Two Iraqi surface-to-air missiles were launched against coalition aircraft from a site in an area of northeast Mosul. Coalition aircraft immediately responded with an AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) against the site. Further attacks against that site were terminated when it was determined the site was located in a civilian town.
• Coalition aircraft targeted and fired upon May 2, 1999 -- Operation Northern Watch (ONW) F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery sites northwest of Mosul.