DATE=2/20/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227078
TITLE=IRAQ/ANAN TALKS
BYLINE=MAX  RUSTON 
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  UNITED NATIONS  SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANAN IS IN IRAQ  
FOR TALKS  ON UN WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.  MR ANAN HOPES TO PREVENT 
AN ARMED CONFLICT INVOLVING IRAQ  BY CONVINCING  BAGHDAD TO ALLOW
THE UN INSPECTORS INTO 8 PRESIDENTIAL SITES RECENTLY DECLARED OFF
LIMITS.   VOA'S  MAX RUSTON IS IN BAGHDAD.



TEXT:  UN OFFICIALS SAY MR ANAN'S JOB OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL
BE TO FIND WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS A "FIGLEAF" FOR IRAQ. IN OTHER 
WORDS A FACE SAVING MEASURE THAT WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR IRAQI 
PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN TO DROP RESTRICTIONS HE HAS IMPOSED ON 
THE MOVEMENTS OF UN WEAPONS INSPECTORS.

IRAQ HAS GIVEN SOME INDICATION THAT IT MAY BE WILLING TO PERMIT 
WIDER INSPECTIONS IF CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE INSPECTION TEAM'S 
NAME AND CHARACTER ARE CHANGED.  BUT DIPLOMATS SAY PRIVATELY THEY
BELIEVE THERE IS ALSO A CHANCE THE IRAQI LEADER WANTS A MILITARY 
CONFLICT AND WILL DO NOTHING TO PREVENT IT.   

THE UNITED STATES AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES SAY THEY WILL LAUNCH 
MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ IF THE UN INSPECTIONS TEAM IS NOT 
GIVEN UNLIMITED ACCESS TO WEAPONS SITES.  

MR ANAN BEGINS FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS SATURDAY.   TALKS ARE EXPECTED
TO LAST THRU THE WEEKEND.  (SIGNED)

NEB/MPR/PLM

20-Feb-98 5:47 PM EST (2247 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.