DATE=11/13/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-241629
TITLE=RUSSIA / IRAQ  (S-ONLY)
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  RUSSIA IS WARNING IRAQ IT FACES A REAL RISK OF U-S 
AIRSTRIKES UNLESS IT QUICKLY BACKS AWAY FROM A CONFRONTATION OVER
UNITED NATIONS WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.  V-O-A'S PETER HEINLEIN 
REPORTS FROM MOSCOW.

TEXT:  PRESIDENT BORIS YELTSIN HAS DISPATCHED A LETTER TO IRAQI 
LEADER SADDAM HUSSEIN EXPRESSING CONCERN THAT "THE USE OF FORCE 
MAY BECOME A REALITY" IN THE CURRENT CRISIS.  MR. YELTSIN CALLED 
ON THE IRAQI LEADER TO SEEK AN URGENT SOLUTION.

KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY YAKUSHKIN SAYS RUSSIA REMAINS  
CATEGORICALLY OPPOSED TO THE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ.  BUT HE 
SAYS MOSCOW IS URGING BAGHDAD TO RESUME COOPERATION WITH THE U-N 
SECURITY COUNCIL AND SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN.

RUSSIA AND IRAQ HAVE LONGSTANDING TIES, AND MOSCOW HAS CALLED  
FOR AN EARLY END TO ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AGAINST SADDAM  HUSSEIN'S 
GOVERNMENT.  BUT RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY HAS MADE A POINT OF 
BLAMING IRAQ FOR CAUSING THE CURRENT STANDOFF OVER U-N WEAPONS 
INSPECTIONS.  (SIGNED)

NEB/PFH/JWH/RRM

13-Nov-98 10:01 AM EST (1501 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.