DATE=2/21/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227105
TITLE=U-S / IRAQ (L)
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO: AS U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFFI ANNAN CONTINUES HIS MISSION
IN BAGHDAD AIMED AT FINDING A DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION TO THE STANDOFF
OVER U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS, THE UNITED STATES IS MOVING FORWARD
WITH PREPARATIONS FOR POSSIBLE MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ IF 
MR. ANNAN'S TALKS FAIL.  VOA'S WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT DEBORAH 
TATE HAS A REPORT.

TEXT:  MR. CLINTON DISCUSSED IRAQ WITH HIS TOP FOREIGN POLICY 
ADVISORS SATURDAY.  WHILE U-S OFFICIALS HOPE SECRETARY GENERAL 
ANNAN'S MISSION SUCCEEDS, THEY SAY PREPARATIONS FOR U-S MILITARY 
ACTION REMAIN ON TRACK.

THE MISSION BY MR. ANNAN, WHO IS NOT EXPECTED BACK TO NEW YORK 
BEFORE TUESDAY, IS SEEN AS A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO AVERT U-S 
AIRSTRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SANDY BERGER REITERATED THAT ANY 
DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION MUST MEET TWO FUNDAMENTAL CONDITIONS: ALLOW 
U-N INSPECTORS TO TOTAL ACCESS TO ALL SUSPECTED WEAPONS SITES, 
INCLUDING  PRESIDENTIAL SITES, AND ALLOW UNSCOM, THE TEAM OF U-N 
WEAPONS EXPERTS IN BAGHDAD, TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE INSPECTION
PROCESS.

WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN MIKE MCCURRY SAYS THERE ARE  NO  SIGNS 
EVIDENT THAT IRAQI LEADER SADDAM HUSSEIN WANTS A PECEFUL END TO 
THE CRISIS.  HE SAYS THERE CONTINUE TO BE PROVOCATIVE STATEMENTS 
ISSUED FROM BAGHDAD AND NO INDICATION OF A COMPLETE WILLINGNESS 
TO RESOLVE THE STANDOFF IN A PEACEFUL FASHION.

AS HE SPOKE HUNDREDS OF ANTIWAR DEMONSTRATORS PROTESTED THE 
POSSIBLE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ AT A RALLY IN LAFAYETTE PARK, 
WHICH FACES THE WHITE HOUSE.

MEANWHILE THE STATE DEPARTMENT IS WARNING AMERICANS IN BAGHDAD TO
LEAVE AS SOON POSSIBLE.  MR. MCCURRY CALLS THE MOVE ROUTINE AND 
SAYS IT SHOULD  NOT  BE SEEN AS A SIGN THAT MILITARY ACTION IS 
EVIDENT. (SIGNED)

NEB/DAT/KL

21-Feb-98 5:03 PM EST (2203 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.