DATE=11/1/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-241012
TITLE=RUSSIA/IRAQ (S&L)
BYLINE=DAVID MCGUFFIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 


INTRO:  RUSSIA HAS STRONGLY CRITICIZED IRAQ'S DECISION TO BAN U-N
ARMS INSPECTORS FROM THEIR WORK.  DAVID MCGUFFIN REPORTS FROM 
MOSCOW THAT RUSSIA, A LONGTIME SUPPORTER OF IRAQ, HAS DECIDED TO 
JOIN IN THE CONDEMNATION OF IRAQ.

TEXT:  RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY HAS TOLD IRAQ TO WEIGH CAREFULLY
ALL THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF ITS DECISION TO STOP THE WORK OF
U-N ARMS INSPECTORS IN THE COUNTRY. 

DURING THE PAST YEAR, RUSSIA HAS HELPED MEDIATE TWO DEALS THAT 
HELPED AVERT MILITARY CONFRONTATION OVER THE ARMS INSPECTION 
ISSUE.  ALONG WITH FRANCE AND CHINA, RUSSIA HAS BEEN LEADING THE 
FIGHT FOR AN EARLY REMOVAL OF THE ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST 
IRAQ.  

THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY APPEARED TO BACK THE U-N SECURITY 
SECURITY COUNCIL BY SENDING A WARNING TO THE IRAQIS -- SAYING 
BAGHDAD'S DECISION COULD BRING TO AN END EFFORTS TO SETTLE THE 
IRAQ PROBLEM.

THE U-N INSPECTORS ARE IN IRAQ TO CERTIFY BAGHDAD HAS DESTROYED 
ALL ITS CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS.  ONLY WHEN 
THIS IS DETERMINED WILL THE SECURITY COUNCIL LIFT SANCTIONS 
IMPOSED IN 1990 WHEN IRAQ INVADED KUWAIT.

                    // REST OPT FOR LONG // 

RUSSIAN OIL COMPANIES HAVE SIGNED BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF 
DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS WITH BAGHDAD, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DAY 
WHEN SANCTIONS ARE LIFTED.   (SIGNED)

NEB/MCG/DW/RAE

01-Nov-98 6:19 PM EST (2319 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.