DATE=11/5/1999
TYPE=EDITORIAL
TITLE=EDITORIAL: IRAQI OPPOSITION DESERVES SUPPORT
NUMBER=0-08517
CONTENT=


THIS IS THE ONLY EDITORIAL BEING RELEASED
FOR BROADCAST 11/5/99.

Anncr:  The Voice of America presents differing 
points of view on a wide variety of issues.  Next, 
an editorial expressing the policies of the United 
States Government:

Voice:  Leaders of Iraq's exiled opposition are 
seeking to create a united front against the 
Saddam Hussein tyranny.  In New York recently, 
more than three-hundred members of the Iraqi 
National Congress met to discuss strategy and 
choose leaders.  Their new seven-member leadership 
council includes Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, 
representatives of both major Kurdish factions, 
and people of varying political views.  But all 
agree on the need to establish a pluralistic 
regime in Baghdad that respects human rights and 
the rule of law.

The United States strongly backs the goals of the 
Iraqi National Congress.  The U.S. wants to see an 
Iraq that is responsive to the needs of its own 
people, at peace with its neighbors, and compliant 
with international law.  While Iraq's political 
transition must come from within the country, it 
is clear that the world must respond to the pleas 
of the Iraqi people for protection and help.

Years ago, in Resolution 6-8-8, the United Nations 
Security Council declared Iraq's internal 
repression a threat to international peace and 
security.  Clearly, Saddam Hussein and his clique 
of Iraqi criminals must be stripped of power and 
brought to justice.

In the meantime, U-N sanctions are helping to 
deprive Iraq's ruling clique of its lifeblood - 
cash.  And the U-N's oil-for-food plan is intended 
to redirect the benefits of Iraq's oil wealth away 
from building more palaces, prisons, and weapons 
for Saddam and toward providing food and medicine 
for all Iraqis.

Now is the time for other countries to take the 
next logical step and join the U.S. in supporting 
free Iraqis through the Iraqi National Congress.  
And this support should continue until there is a 
government in Baghdad that serves the Iraqi people 
- not the other way around.  Only then, will Iraq 
no longer be a threat to world peace and security. 

Anncr:  That was an editorial expressing the 
policies of the United States Government.  If you 
have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, 
Washington, D-C, 20547, U-S-A.  You may also 
comment at www-dot-voa-dot-gov-slash-editorials, 
or fax us at (202) 619-1043.



04-Nov-1999 13:32 PM EDT (04-Nov-1999 1832 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.