DATE=12/18/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243223
TITLE= IRAQ STRIKES FRIDAY
BYLINE= SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE= AMMAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:  
 
INTRO: IN IRAQ, AUTHORITIES ARE BEGINNING TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE 
FROM A WAVE OF AIR STRIKES THURSDAY NIGHT IN WHICH A NUMBER OF 
TARGETS IN URBAN AREAS WERE HIT.  IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY A 
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT SHOWS THAT 25 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED AND 
75 WOUNDED SINCE THE ATTACKS BEGAN, AS WE HEAR FROM VOA'S SCOTT 
BOBB IN AMMAN.

TEXT: THE SECOND WAVE OF U-S AND BRITISH AIR STRIKES HIT A NUMBER
OF TARGETS IN BAGHDAD AND OTHER CITIES, LEADING TO A SHARP RISE 
IN CIVILIAN CASUALTIES.

THE UNITED NATIONS EVACUATED MOST OF ITS FOREIGN WORKERS, LEAVING
ONLY A SMALL STAFF OF ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL.

IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY THE ATTACKS ARE A VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL 
LAW AND THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER AND SAY THE U-S AND BRITISH 
GOVERNMENTS WILL BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM.

REACTION IN THE ARAB WORLD HAS BEEN NEGATIVE, RANGING FROM 
OUTRIGHT CONDEMNATION TO CONCERN MIXED WITH CALLS FOR IRAQ TO 
AVOID THE STRIKES BY COOPERATING WITH U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS.

POPULAR DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE ATTACKS WERE HELD IN IRAQ, 
EGYPT AND JORDAN. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/PLM

18-Dec-98 4:07 AM EST (0907 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.