DATE=5/30/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-233081
TITLE=IRAQ - U-N  (S-ONLY)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  A SENIOR OFFICIAL IN THE GOVERNMENT OF IRAQ HAS 
CRITICIZED THE LATEST UNITED NATIONS FOOD FOR OIL PLAN AS 
INSUFFICIENT.  CORRESPONDENT SCOTT BOBB REPORTS FROM OUR MIDDLE 
EAST BUREAU IN CAIRO, THAT THE REMARKS FOLLOW THE APPROVAL FRIDAY
OF A NEW PLAN BY U-N SECRETARY GENERAL KOFI ANNAN.

TEXT:  IRAQI TRADE MINISTER MUHAMMAD MAHDI AL-SALIH TOLD 
REPORTERS IN BAGHDAD SATURDAY, THE LATEST U-N PLAN WILL  NOT  
ALLEVIATE HUMAN SUFFERING IN HIS COUNTRY AND CALLED FOR THE 
COMPLETE LIFTING OF INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS ON IRAQ.

HE ACCUSED THE U-S GOVERNMENT OF SEEKING TO PROLONG THE SANCTIONS
IN ORDER TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT IN IRAQ, BUT SAID IT WOULD  NOT
WORK.

THE LATEST U-N PLAN ALLOWS IRAQ TO EXPORT FIVE BILLION DOLLARS 
WORTH OF OIL OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS TO BUY HUMANITARIAN 
SUPPLIES, FUND EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND COMPENSATE VICTIMS OF THE 
GULF WAR.  THE OFFICIAL SAID IRAQ NEEDS MUCH MORE.  

HE SAID IRAQ HAS COMPLIED WITH THE U-N DEMANDS TO ELIMINATE ITS 
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.  U-N ARMS INSPECTORS SAY THAT IS  
NOT YET TRUE.  (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/CBL/SD



30-May-98 9:29 PM EDT (0129 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.