DATE=12/16/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243061
TITLE=RUSSIA / IRAQ  (S)
BYLINE=PETER HEINLEIN
DATELINE=MOSCOW
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  RUSSIA IS CALLING FOR AN EMERGENCY U-N SECURITY COUNCIL 
MEETING ON IRAQ.  V-O-A'S PETER HEINLEIN REPORTS FROM MOSCOW.

TEXT:  FOREIGN MINISTER IGOR IVANOV  (WEDNESDAY) ACCUSED CHIEF 
U-N WEAPONS INSPECTOR RICHARD BUTLER OF "GROSSLY EXCEEDING" HIS 
AUTHORITY IN IRAQ.  NEWS AGENCIES QUOTE MR. IVANOV AS SAYING THE 
SECURITY COUNCIL MUST MEET IMMEDIATELY TO CONSIDER MR. BUTLER'S 
REPORT ON WEAPONS INSPECTIONS. 

THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WAS SPEAKING IN MADRID, WHERE HE IS 
ATTENDING A PEACE CONFERENCE ON BOSNIA.

DESPITE HIS SHARP CRITICISM OF THE INSPECTORS, MR. IVANOV URGED 
IRAQ TO COMPLY FULLY WITH U-N SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS.  HE 
TOLD REPORTERS THAT INSPECTIONS ARE THE ONLY WAY THE RESOLUTIONS 
CAN BE FULFILLED.

RUSSIA HAS CONSISTENTLY OPPOSED THE USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ, 
AND HAS HELPED MEDIATE IN PAST CONFRONTATIONS BETWEEN THE BAGHDAD
GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED NATIONS. (SIGNED)

NEB/PFH/JWH/KL

16-Dec-98 9:27 AM EST (1427 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.