DATE=2/22/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-227131
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N AGREEMENT (S)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON 
DATELINE=BAGHDAD
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  U-N AND IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THEY HAVE REACHED AGREEMENT 
ON ALLOWING U-N INSPECTORS UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO WEAPON SITES IN
IRAQ.  V-O-A'S MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM BAGHDAD WHERE THE 
AGREEMENT WAS REACHED.  

TEXT:  UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS SAY THEY AGREED ON THE TEXT OF 
THE DOCUMENT IN LATE NIGHT TALKS SUNDAY ON THE SECOND DAY OF 
NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN.  U-N AND
IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL SIGN THE AGREEMENT MONDAY.  

IF THE AGREEMENT IS ACCEPTED BY THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE
U-N SECURITY COUNCIL IT IS EXPECTED TO PREVENT RENEWED MILITARY 
STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.

THE MAIN OBSTACLE TO THE AGREEMENT WAS ELIMINATED MID-DAY SUNDAY 
IN TALKS BETWEEN MR. ANNAN AND IRAQI PRESIDENT SADDAM HUSSEIN.  
THAT OBSTACLE DEALT WITH IRAQ'S INSISTENCE THAT WEAPONS 
INSPECTIONS BE LIMITED TO 60 DAYS A DEMAND SECURITY COUNCIL 
MEMBERS REJECTED.

MR. ANNAN IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE BAGHDAD MONDAY FOR NEW YORK WHERE
HE WILL SEEK FORMAL APPROVAL FOR THE AGREEMENT FROM THE U-N 
SECURITY COUNCIL.  (SIGNED)

NEB/MR/ENE-T/SD





22-Feb-98 4:25 PM EST (2125 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.