DATE=12/11/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-242820
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N FRIDAY (S ONLY)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO: IN IRAQ, U-N WEAPONS INSPECTORS CONTINUED THEIR WORK 
FRIDAY -- THIS, FOUR WEEKS AFTER IRAQ AGREED TO RESUME 
COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS DISARMAMENT PROGRAM.  MIDDLE 
EAST CORRESPONDENT SCOTT BOBB REPORTS THAT U-N OFFICIALS SAY THE 
INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN GOING WELL -- EXCEPT FOR A FEW ISOLATED 
INSTANCES.

TEXT:  U-N INSPECTORS WENT OUT FRIDAY, BUT ACTIVITY AT THE U-N 
COMPOUND IN BAGHDAD WAS LIGHTER THAN NORMAL.

U-N CHIEF WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER SAID INSPECTORS HAD 
GOOD REASON TO VISIT THE BAGHDAD HEADQUARTERS OF THE RULING 
BA'ATH PARTY TWO DAYS AGO. INSPECTORS WERE DENIED ACCESS TO THE 
SITE BY THE LOCAL PARTY CHIEF, WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THERE 
RELATED TO THE DISARMAMENT PROGRAM.

MR. BUTLER ISSUED A REPORT THURSDAY SAYING HIS STAFF HAD BEEN 
HINDERED IN ITS WORK ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS. HE DID  NOT INDICATE
WHETHER HE WILL CERTIFY THAT IRAQ HAS FULLY COMPLIED WITH THE 
INSPECTIONS PROGRAM.

THE U-N SECURITY COUNCIL SAYS IF THERE IS FULL COMPLIANCE, IT 
WILL UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE DISARMAMENT PROGRAM,
WHICH IRAQ HOPES WILL LEAD TO A  LIFTING OF CRIPPLING ECONOMIC 
SANCTIONS. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/PCF

11-Dec-98 5:59 AM EST (1059 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.