DATE=11/24/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IRAQ / U-N / OIL EXPORTS (L)
NUMBER=2-256506
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

INTRO:  A senior official in Iraq has rejected as 
senseless a recent two-week extension of the U-N oil-
for-food program for Iraq.  V-O-A Middle East 
Correspondent Scott Bobb reports the Iraqi statement 
follows the suspension of Iraqi oil exports Tuesday.

TEXT:  Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, Tariq Aziz, told 
reporters  (Wednesday) it was senseless for the U-N 
Security Council to extend the program by a mere two 
weeks when normally extensions last six months.  As a 
result he said, the Iraqi government has decided  not  
to acknowledge the extension.

Mr. Aziz indicated the Iraqi government also is ready 
to reject a plan currently before the U-N Security 
Council that would end international sanctions in 
exchange for the return of U-N weapons inspectors.  
The Iraqi official said the proposals currently under 
discussion are misleading because they will  not  lead 
to what he called a serious softening of the embargo.

Iraq announced the suspension of oil exports Tuesday, 
three days after the current phase of the oil-for-food 
program was to have expired.  This phase has allowed 
Iraq to export eight-billion dollars worth of oil to 
purchase food, medicine, and other humanitarian 
supplies.  It is the sixth such plan and is aimed at 
relieving some of the suffering of the Iraqi people 
after nine years of sanctions.

U-N officials say they have received assurances from 
Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations that Iraq 
intends to continue the oil-for-food program.  
However, the Iraqi envoy told reporters his government 
will only make a decision once the U-N proposal is 
clear.

The suspension of Iraqi oil exports caused oil prices 
to rally to their highest levels since the Gulf War.  
But prices subsequently fell back on speculation that 
Iraqi exports would soon resume or be replaced by 
other oil producers. (Signed)

NEB/SB/JWH/JP



24-Nov-1999 11:14 AM EDT (24-Nov-1999 1614 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.