DATE=11/11/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-241528
TITLE=U-N / IRAQ CRISIS (L)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN IS CUTTING SHORT HIS 
VISIT TO NORTH AFRICA.  HE IS RETURNING TO NEW YORK TO DEAL WITH 
THE ESCALATING CRISIS WITH IRAQ.  U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON 
REPORTS.

TEXT:  U-N SPOKESMAN FRED ECKHARD SAYS MR. ANNAN WILL RETURN 
THURSDAY TO U-N HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK, CUTTING SHORT A VISIT 
TO NORTH AFRICA THAT WAS TO HAVE CONCLUDED NOVEMBER 16TH.  MR. 
ECKHARD SAYS ONCE IN NEW YORK, THE U-N CHIEF WILL MONITOR 
SECURITY COUNCIL DELIBERATIONS AND STAY ON TOP OF WHAT IS 
DEVELOPING AS A CRISIS SITUATION CONCERNING IRAQ.

MR. ANNAN'S RETURN TO NEW YORK FOLLOWS THE PULLOUT OF MOST U-N 
STAFF FROM BAGHDAD AND INCREASED WARNINGS TO IRAQ IT WILL FACE 
MILITARY ACTION IF IT DOES NOT RESUME COOPERATION WITH U-N 
WEAPONS INSPECTORS.

CHIEF U-N WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER SAYS HE MADE THE 
DECISION TUESDAY TO PULL HIS STAFF OF MORE THAN 100 PERSONNEL OUT
OF IRAQ.  HE DID SO AFTER MEETING WITH U-S AMBASSADOR PETER 
BURLEIGH, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL FOR THE MONTH 
OF NOVEMBER.  MR. BUTLER SAYS HE FELT OBLIGATED TO ORDER THE 
PULLOUT -- WHICH HE DESCRIBES AS TEMPORARY -- FOR THE SAFETY OF 
HIS STAFF IN THE ATMOSPHERE OF INCREASING HOSTILITY.

ABOUT 40 ESSENTIAL U-N STAFF ARE TO REMAIN IN BAGHDAD, INCLUDING 
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S SPECIAL ENVOY PRAKASH SHAH.

THE U-N PULLOUT AND RETURN OF MR. ANNAN ARE AMONG THE CLEAREST 
INDICATIONS MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ ARE GROWING NEAR.

THE LATEST CRISIS BEGAN N OCTOBER 31ST, WHEN IRAQ HALTED ALL 
COOPERATION WITH THE WEAPONS INSPECTION TEAM, ACCUSING IT OF 
UNFAIRLY REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE IRAQI PROGRESS IN THE AREA OF 
DISARMAMENT.  U-N OFFICIALS REJECT THAT CHARGE, AND SAY IRAQ IS 
TRYING TO DIVERT ATTENTION FROM ITS OWN REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH
THE INSPECTORS.

THE INSPECTORS HAVE BEEN IN IRAQ SEARCHING FOR EVIDENCE THAT 
BAGHDAD STILL HAS THE CAPABILITY TO PRODUCE WEAPONS OF MASS 
DESTRUCTION.  THE INSPECTIONS ARE REQUIRED BY SECURITY COUNCIL 
RESOLUTIONS APPROVED AFTER THE GULF WAR.  (SIGNED)

NEB/UN/MPR/RAE

11-Nov-98 1:27 PM EST (1827 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.