DATE=12/17/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243139
TITLE=IRAQ / ASIA REACT UPDATE (L)
BYLINE=AMY BICKERS
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:  

INTRO:  OPINION IS DIVIDED IN ASIA ON WHETHER THE MILITARY ACTION
AGAINST IRAQ IS JUSTIFIED. AMY BICKERS HAS A REPORT FROM TOKYO.

TEXT:  JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER KEIZO OBUCHI SAYS HE BACKS 
WASHINGTON'S DECISION TO STRIKE, AND IS ALSO DEMANDING THAT 
BAGHDAD COMPLY WITH UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS ON WEAPONS 
INSPECTION.  JAPAN IS THE UNITED STATES LEADING ALLY IN ASIA AND 
ITS SUPPORT WAS EXPECTED.

SOUTH KOREA, ANOTHER IMPORTANT U -S ALLY HAS ALSO DECLARED ITS 
APPROVAL OF THE STRIKES. A STATEMENT FROM THE FOREIGN MINISTRY 
SAYS SEOUL UNDERSTANDS AND SUPPORTS THE POSITION OF THE U-S 
GOVERNMENT. IT CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF U-N 
RESOLUTIONS AND FOR INSPECTIONS TO RESUME UNFETTERED.

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT JOSEPH ESTRADA IS CALLING THE ACTION 
UNFORTUNATE, BUT SAYS HE SUPPORTS THE MOVE.  HE SAYS HE HOPES THE
ISSUE CAN BE SETTLED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID THE LOSS OF 
INNOCENT LIVES. 

 AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JOHN HOWARD HAS EXPRESSED HIS 
COUNTRY'S SUPPORT,  SAYING THE ACTION WAS INEVITABLE.  MR. HOWARD
SAYS THERE HAS BEEN A TOTAL FAILURE BY IRAQ TO HONOR ITS 
AGREEMENTS ON WEAPONS INSPECTION, MAKING IT NECESSARY TO DEGRADE 
BAGHDAD'S WEAPON'S CAPABILITY TO PROTECT NEIGHBORING GULF 
NATIONS.

CHINA IS CONDEMNING THE AIR STRIKES, SAYING IT IS SHOCKED THAT 
THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN ARE USING MILITARY FORCE AGAINST 
IRAQ.

MALAYSIA IS ALSO AGAINST THE MOVE.  PRIME MINISTER MAHATHIR 
MOHAMMED SAYS FORCE SHOULD NOT BE USED.

INDIA SPOKE OUT AGAINST THE RAID.  PRIME MINISTER ATAL BEHARI 
VAJPAYEE SAYS THE ATTACK UNDERMINES THE AUTHORITY OF THE U-N 
SECURITY COUNCIL.   (SIGNED)

NEB/AB/FC/PLM



17-Dec-98 4:28 AM EST (0928 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.