DATE=11/11/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-241539
TITLE=U-N / IRAQ / LETTER (S-ALTERNATE)
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:   IRAQ HAS DENOUNCED THE UNITED NATIONS WEAPONS INSPECTION
COMMISSION, UNSCOM (U-N SPECIAL COMMISSION), FOLLOWING THE 
COMMISSION'S DECISION TO WITHDRAW ITS STAFF FROM BAGHDAD.  
V-O-A'S CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON REPORTS FROM THE UNITED NATIONS.

TEXT:   THE DENUNCIATION CAME IN A LETTER TO U-N 
SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN FROM IRAQ'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER 
TARIQ AZIZ.  MR. AZIZ SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT 
BAGHDAD DID NOT REQUEST MEMBERS OF UNSCOM OR THE INTERNATIONAL 
ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY TO LEAVE IRAQ.

HE SAYS UNSCOM'S DECISION TO PULL ITS STAFF OUT OF THE COUNTRY 
WAS DONE IN COORDINATION WITH WHAT HE CALLS AMERICAN THREATS TO 
LAUNCH A MILITARY AGGRESSION AGAINST IRAQ.  HE SAYS THAT PROVES 
IRAQI ALLEGATIONS THAT UNSCOM IS WORKING FOR THE UNITED STATES 
AND NOT THE UNITED NATIONS -- A CHARGE UNSCOM, THE UNITED NATIONS
AND THE UNITED STATES DENY.

UNSCOM'S DECISION TO PULL ITS STAFF OUT OF IRAQ HAS ALSO UPSET 
RUSSIA'S AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS, WHO SAYS IT IS 
UNFORTUNATE HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE MOVE AHEAD OF TIME.  
(SIGNED)

NEB/UN/MPR/PT

11-Nov-98 5:16 PM EST (2216 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.