DATE=12/20/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243317
TITLE=IRAQ STRIKES END (S)
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=AMMAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO:  RESIDENTS OF IRAQ ARE TRYING TO RESUME THEIR NORMAL LIVES
AND PICK UP THE PIECES FROM FOUR NIGHTS OF AIR STRIKES BY U-S AND
BRITISH FORCES.  HOWEVER, A DEFIANT IRAQI GOVERNMENT SAID SUNDAY 
IT WILL NOT ALLOW THE DISPUTED U-N WEAPONS INSPECTIONS PROGRAM 
WHICH LED TO THE STRIKES TO RESUME.  MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT 
SCOTT BOBB REPORTS FROM AMMAN.
 
TEXT:  IRAQIS LEFT THEIR BOMB SHELTERS SUNDAY AND RETURNED HOME, 
AS AUTHORITIES ASSESSED THE DAMAGE FROM FOUR NIGHTS OF HEAVY AIR 
STRIKES.
 
U-S AND BRITISH OFFICIALS CLAIM SUCCESS -- SAYING NEARLY 100 
SITES WERE HIT, INCLUDING MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE HEADQUARTERS,
MISSILE PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND BARRACKS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL 
GUARD.
 
PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCED A HALT TO THE BOMBINGS SATURDAY 
NIGHT, SAYING HE HOPED THE U-N INSPECTORS WOULD RETURN.  LACK OF 
IRAQI COOPERATION IN THE INSPECTIONS LED TO THE STRIKES.  U-S 
OFFICIALS SAID THEY WOULD RESUME ATTACKS, IF IRAQ SOUGHT TO 
REBUILD ITS WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION.
 
HOWEVER, IRAQI OFFICIALS SAY ANYTHING RELATING TO THE INSPECTIONS
IS FINISHED -- ADDING THAT ANY SUCH WEAPONS WOULD HAVE BEEN 
DESTROYED BY THE AIR ATTACKS. (SIGNED)
 
NEB / SB / DW / WD
 
 

20-Dec-98 5:36 AM EST (1036 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.