Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10-30-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S-IRAQ-U-N (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-309256

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States expressed understanding Thursday for decisions by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross to withdraw personnel from Baghdad, following the latest suicide car bombings in the Iraqi capital. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Secretary of State Colin Powell had made telephone appeals earlier this week to U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan and International Red Cross president Jakob Kellenberger telling them that withdrawals from Iraq would hand a victory to terrorists.

But State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says Mr. Powell's reaction to news that both organizations would be removing staff from Baghdad was not disappointment, but understanding for the painful choice they had to make:

///Boucher actuality///

He understands there's a balance here. It's the same kind of balance, as I said, that he has to reach with regard to his own personnel. And he understands that they have to make a difficult decision.

///end act///

The International Red Cross, the target of a car bombing Monday, said it would reduce its staff in Baghdad while the United Nations hit by a devastating blast in August that killed its top Iraq envoy -- said Thursday it is withdrawing its remaining foreign staff.

Mr. Boucher said the United States looks forward to both groups returning to full strength and full operations in Iraq as soon as they can. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/FC