• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

...............

QUESTION: Yes. What is the reaction of this department and the Administration generally to the Peter Jennings program last night aired on ABC about the Kurds being involved in trying to depose Mr. Saddam Hussein?

MR. DINGER: There have been a couple of reports recently revolving around alleged intelligence issues involving Northern Iraq. As you know, as a matter of policy, we do not comment on intelligence matters. Let me say, however, that our policy towards Iraq is long-standing and clear. We support the goals of the Iraqi opposition, which include the maintenance of Iraq's territorial integrity and a free pluralistic Iraq at peace with its neighbors.

Now, Secretary Albright, on March 26^th in a speech at Georgetown, very, very clearly enunciated this policy. I would certainly refer you to her remarks. They are quite comprehensive. Beyond that, I am not sure I have too much to add.

QUESTION: I guess you couldn't comment as to the veracity of the CIA operatives that are witnessing in this program?

MR. DINGER: As a matter of general policy, we don't comment on alleged intelligence matters.

QUESTION: And finally, does this government continue to deny or does it deny currently involvement in attempts to assassinate Mr. Hussein last year?

MR. DINGER: Secretary Albright addressed that issue quite clearly in the remarks. She pointed out that we are not telling the Iraqi people what they should or should not do. That is for them to decide. The President has also pointed that out. The Secretary made clear that Saddam Hussein's record and actions are important factors determining Iraq's intentions and, frankly, that the evidence is overwhelming that Saddam Hussein's intentions will never be peaceful.

She also expressed our readiness in principle to establish a dialogue with a post-Saddam government. As part of that dialogue, we would require improvements in Iraq's behavior. But I will reiterate again, the Secretary and the United States has not told the Iraqi people what they should or should not do.

QUESTION: And finally, there was the allegation, I believe, or implication that the Clinton Administration pulled the plug on the Kurds because of election - let's say, election convenience, that being the U.S. election last year. Any comment?

MR. DINGER: No comment. We have supported the goals of the Iraqi opposition. We have also viewed the Iraqi National Congress as a part of the Iraqi opposition whose program reflects our values. We have supported the INC's efforts to forge unity and cohesion within the Iraqi opposition.

QUESTION: John, another subject. Can you confirm reports that the United States, Japan and South Korea have held talks aimed at coordinating possible future international relief efforts for North Korea in the event of a government collapse?

MR. DINGER: We do not see signs at the moment of political instability in North Korea. As a general policy, we don't comment on contingency planning. The report I think that you're referring to involved reported DOD contingency planning. I would refer you to the Department of Defense for what they may be planning. I would note that DOD has lots of contingency plans. That is nothing new. That is part of their job and, in fact, it is a part of our job. Our current relief efforts have been and will likely continue to be conducted through international relief organizations.

QUESTION: The administrative talks that are reported to have taken place, can you describe where and when, who was involved? There is also a mention of some general discussions with China.

MR. DINGER: No. I don't have anything for you. The article I think that you're referring to mentioned that they were DOD talks. DOD has a lot of contingency planning and a lot of contingency talks. You might see if they have anything that they can offer, but this sort of planning of that type is very routine. And of course, you and the American people would expect us to make contingency plans. But we do not see signs of political instability at the moment in North Korea.

..............

QUESTION: One more on North Korea. I didn't get to ask Ken yesterday. John, does the State Department view some of this very negative rhetoric about fighting the final battle with South Korea and the United States - that was last week - there has been some more this week from Pyongyang - is that viewed by the State Department as some kind of rhetoric designed to get concessions in negotiations? Or is it taken seriously?

MR. DINGER: Well, North Korea is well-known for its rhetoric. So the rhetoric alone, of course, has had little impact on our policies. We of course do monitor the situation in North Korea closely. As I said, we see no signs of political instability at the moment. And as we have said many times in the past, we're not aware of any eminent threat from North Korea - military threat - at the moment.

QUESTION: Is there some kind of dichotomy in that government that could be producing a government that wants to be fed on the one hand, and one that wants to have war, like the defector has stated?

MR. DINGER: North Korea is a very opaque society, and I'm not going to speculate about that. Okay, thank you.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Enter Your Email Address