DATE=9/14/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-238617
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N SANCTIONS (L)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  IRAQ'S PARLIAMENT IS URGING THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT TO CUT 
ALL CONTACTS WITH UNITED NATIONS ARMS INSPECTORS UNLESS THE U-N 
SECURITY COUNCIL RESUMES ITS REGULAR REVIEWS OF IRAQ'S WEAPONS 
DISARMAMENT PROGRAM.  AS V-O-A MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT SCOTT 
BOBB REPORTS, THE SECURITY COUNCIL LAST WEEK VOTED TO SUSPEND THE
REVIEWS BECAUSE OF REDUCED IRAQI COOPERATION IN THE INSPECTIONS.

TEXT:  IRAQ'S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSED THE RESOLUTION UNANIMOUSLY
(MONDAY)  AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF DEBATE.

THE RESOLUTION URGES THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL TO CANCEL ITS 
DECISION TO SUSPEND REGULAR REVIEWS, IN ITS WORDS, TO MAKE IT 
POSSIBLE TO HOLD A DIALOGUE IN AN ATMOSPHERE FREE OF PRESSURE AND
THREAT.

THE RESOLUTION ADDS THAT IF THE SECURITY COUNCIL DOES  NOT RENEW 
THE REGULAR REVIEWS, THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT SHOULD CUT ALL 
RELATIONS AND END ALL COOPERATION WITH THE U-N SPECIAL 
COMMISSION.

U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS FOR THE PAST MONTH HAVE ENGAGED IN A 
SCALED-DOWN VERSION OF THEIR PROGRAM TO ENSURE IRAQ ELIMINATES 
ITS WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.  THE INSPECTORS HAVE CONTINUED 
TO MONITOR PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WEAPONS SITES IN IRAQ, BUT HAVE 
NOT  CARRIED OUT SURPRISE INSPECTIONS.

THE INSPECTIONS PROGRAM WAS REDUCED AFTER IRAQ ANNOUNCED IT WAS 
ENDING COOPERATION WITH THE U-N SPECIAL COMMISSION BECAUSE U-N 
INSPECTORS REFUSED TO CERTIFY IRAQ HAD ELIMINATED ALL ITS WEAPONS
OF MASS DESTRUCTION.

THIS CERTIFICATION IS NECESSARY BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS WILL 
END ECONOMIC SANCTIONS THAT HAVE SEVERELY HURT THE IRAQI ECONOMY.

                       ///  REST OPT  ///

U-N OFFICIALS HAVE SAID IRAQ IS CLOSE TO RECEIVING THE 
CERTIFICATION.  BUT IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY U-N INSPECTORS ARE TRYING
TO PROLONG THE INSPECTIONS AT THE URGING OF THE U-S AND BRITISH 
GOVERNMENTS WHICH, IT SAYS, WANT THE SANCTIONS MAINTAINED.

A SIMILAR STANDOFF EARLIER THIS YEAR LED TO THREATS BY THE U-S  
AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS OF AIR STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ.  THAT CRISIS
WAS DEFUSED BY U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN, WHO APPOINTED A 
SPECIAL ENVOY TO IRAQ AND PROPOSED A COMPLETE REVIEW OF IRAQI 
PROGRESS ON THE DISARMAMENT PROGRAM.  IRAQ HAS ALSO CALLED FOR A 
COMPLETE REVIEW BUT SAYS IT SHOULD COME AFTER THE SANCTIONS ARE 
LIFTED.  (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/JWH

14-Sep-98 11:00 AM EDT (1500 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.