DATE=2/16/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-226835
TITLE=CLINTON / IRAQ (L)
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  PRESIDENT CLINTON IS TO OUTLINE THE GOALS OF POSSIBLE U-S
MILITARY ACTION IN IRAQ DURING A VISIT TO THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
TUESDAY.  V-O-A WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH TATE REPORTS.

TEXT:  AFTER MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF TO
REVIEW PLANS FOR POSSIBLE AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ, MR. CLINTON 
WILL DELIVER A SPEECH ON THE RATIONALE FOR SUCH ACTION, AND MAKE 
CLEAR THAT U-S AND IRAQI CASUALTIES ARE EXPECTED.    

IT IS PART OF A CAMPAIGN BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO SHORE UP 
DOMESTIC SUPPORT FOR ANY MILITARY ACTION IN IRAQ, IF DIPLOMACY 
FAILS TO END THE STANDOFF OVER U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.

ON WEDNESDAY, DEFENSE SECRETARY WILLIAM COHEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
MADELEINE ALBRIGHT AND NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SANDY BERGER 
WILL  TAKE THEIR MESSAGE DIRECTLY TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, WHEN 
THEY HOLD A TOWN HALL-STYLE DISCUSSION AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY.

U-S OFFICIALS BEGAN STEPPING UP THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN 
LAST FRIDAY, WHEN MR. BERGER USED A SPEECH AT THE NATIONAL PRESS 
CLUB TO ARGUE THAT BAGHDAD'S WEAPONS PROGRAM IS A THREAT TO 
IRAQ'S NEIGHBORS AND TO U-S INTERESTS IN THE REGION. 

THE MOVE WAS SEEN AS A RESPONSE TO CONGRESSIONAL CRITICISM OF THE
ADMINISTRATION FOR NOT FULLY EXPLAINING THE GOALS OF U-S POLICY 
TOWARD IRAQ.          

LAWMAKERS HAVE PUT OFF A VOTE ON A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THEIR 
SUPPORT FOR THE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ UNTIL THEY RETURN FROM 
THEIR FEBRUARY RECESS NEXT MONDAY, EVEN THOUGH THEY SAY THEY WILL
ULTIMATELY BACK ANY U-S ACTION IN THE GULF.  (SIGNED) 

NEB/DAT/MMK

16-Feb-98 3:27 PM EST (2027 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.