DATE=12/15/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243039
TITLE=U-N / IRAQ / S&L
BYLINE=MAX RUSTON
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  CHIEF UNITED NATIONS WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER 
SAYS (TUESDAY) IRAQ HAS FAILED TO KEEP ITS PROMISE OF FULL 
COOPERATION WITH THE U-N WEAPONS INSPECTION COMMISSION -- UNSCOM.
MR. BUTLER'S FINDINGS COULD LEAD TO NEW TENSION SURROUNDING IRAQ,
AS WE HEAR FROM OUR U-N CORRESPONDENT MAX RUSTON.

TEXT:  MR. BUTLER SAYS BAGHDAD'S CONDUCT HAS ENSURED NO PROGRESS 
WAS MADE OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS IN THE DISARMAMENT OF IRAQ'S 
PROHIBITED WEAPONS PROGRAM.  THAT REMARK IS INCLUDED IN A REPORT 
PREPARED BY MR. BUTLER FOR U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN AND 
THE SECURITY COUNCIL.

THE SECURITY COUNCIL WILL USE THE REPORT AS A BASIS FOR DECIDING 
WHETHER TO CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE INSPECTION 
PROGRAM.  IRAQ REQUESTED THE REVIEW, SAYING IT WOULD DEMONSTRATE 
UNSCOM HAS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE PROGRESS MADE IN THE AREA OF 
DISARMAMENT.

MR. BUTLER'S REPORT WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE COUNCIL TO 
APPROVE SUCH A REVIEW AND COULD OPEN THE WAY FOR U-S AND BRITISH 
MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST BAGHDAD.  THE SECURITY COUNCIL IS 
EXPECTED TO DISCUSS THE REPORT LATER THIS WEEK.

         /// REST OPTIONAL ///

U-S AND BRITISH DIPLOMATS HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT -- IF THEY 
DECIDE THAT MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRAQ ARE NECESSARY -- THEY 
COULD LAUNCH THEM WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING THE SECURITY COUNCIL. 
THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN WERE PREPARED TO CARRY OUT SUCH 
STRIKES LAST MONTH, BUT CANCELLED THEM AT THE LAST MOMENT AFTER 
U-N SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNAN SECURED A PROMISE OF FULL COOPERATION
FROM IRAQI LEADERS.

SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS SAY UNSCOM MUST VERIFY IRAQ NO 
LONGER HAS ANY WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION BEFORE SANCTIONS 
IMPOSED AFTER THE GULF WAR CAN BE LIFTED.  IRAQ WANTS SANCTIONS 
LIFTED IMMEDIATELY.  IT SAYS IT HAS MET ALL SECURITY COUNCIL 
REQUIREMENTS -- A CLAIM THE SECURITY COUNCIL SAYS IS NOT TRUE.

SOME DIPLOMATS ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL SAY THERE IS CREDIBLE 
EVIDENCE IRAQ IS INTENT ON HIDING KEY ELEMENTS OF ITS WEAPONS 
PROGRAMS.  THEY SAY, IF IRAQ DOES NOT COOPERATE WITH UNSCOM, 
MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST BAGHDAD WILL BE INEVITABLE.  (SIGNED)

NEB / UN / MPR / WD / WD



15-Dec-98 11:33 PM EST (0433 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.