Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=09/05/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ-U-N (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-280079

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: United Nations officials are upset about Iraq's decision to expel five U-N workers. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: Iraq says the five four Nigerians and one Bosnian were declared "persona non grata and asked to leave the country. Iraqi officials say the U-N workers were engaging in activities that infringe on the nation's national security.

But U-N officials say Iraq acted improperly by failing to provide specific charges against the five who were involved in the U-N-administered "oil-for-food" humanitarian program. U-N spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva says headquarters is still awaiting specifics.

///ALMEIDA e SILVA ACT///

We have not yet received what we thought was necessary, which are the reasons why the Iraqi government took that decision and we need to get that.

///END ACT///

However, Mr. Almeida e Silva says, the five U-N workers have already been withdrawn from Iraq to ensure their personal safety.

Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammed al-Douri, says his government is not obliged to provide specifics of the allegations against the U-N workers.

///al-DOURI ACT///

Certainly they (Iraqi officials) have all the proof on that but I think this is related to the responsibilities of Iraq on that question, the question of national security. So I think they are not obliged declare it or to speak about it.

///END ACT///

The situation has caused concern among some members of the U-N Security Council. The Council is expected to discuss the Iraqi expulsions at a closed session on Thursday. (SIGNED)

NEB/UN/BA/