DATE=12/26/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-243526
TITLE=IRAQ ATTACK 2ND UPDATE  (S)
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 

INTRO: U-S OFFICIALS SAY AMERICAN WARPLANES WILL CONTINUE 
PATROLLING IRAQI SKIES ---- IN SPITE OF THREATS THAT IRAQI FORCES
WILL OPEN FIRE ON THE JETS. V-O-A'S JIM RANDLE REPORTS FROM 
WASHINGTON.

TEXT: NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SPOKESMAN P-J CROWLEY SAYS THE 
UNITED STATES WILL CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THE NO-FLY ZONES IN IRAQ. 
HE SAYS IRAQ "KNOWS IT SHOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THESE FLIGHTS," 
AND THAT AMERICAN PILOTS "CAN ACT IN SELF-DEFENSE IF THEY FEEL 
THREATENED."   

MR. CROWLEY'S COMMENTS CAME AFTER A TOP IRAQI OFFICIAL SAID ON 
TELEVISION SATURDAY THAT IRAQI FORCES WOULD SHOOT AT PLANES 
VIOLATING IRAQI AIR SPACE.  

U-S AND BRITISH PLANES ROUTINELY FLY OVER IRAQ TO KEEP IRAQI 
WARPLANES FROM ATTACKING SHIA MUSLIMS IN THE SOUTH, AND KURDS IN 
THE NORTH. 

SATURDAY, IRAQI OFFICIALS SAID THEY SHOT AT INTRUDING PLANES, BUT
U-S AND BRITISH OFFICIALS SAY ALL ALLIED PLANES RETURNED SAFELY 
TO BASE.  (SIGNED)

NEB/JR/SD

BRITISH

26-Dec-98 8:44 PM EST (0144 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.