DATE=02/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / IRAQ / ANNAN (L-only)(cq)

NUMBER=2-272801

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan discussed the recent American and British bombing of Iraq for the first time today (Tuesday). He says the attack near Baghdad came at an "awkward" time, since Iraqi officials are expected at the United Nations for talks next week. Correspondent Breck Ardery reports (from the United Nations).

TEXT: Mr. Annan neither supported nor condemned the bombing, saying only that shortly after the military action was concluded on Friday, the American ambassador at the United Nations offered a briefing. He told reporters the U-S official said the bombing was routine, not an escalation of activities in Iraq.

The secretary-general noted that Iraqi officials are scheduled to come to the United Nations for talks next Monday and Tuesday [Feb. 26-27].

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Obviously the timing [of the bombing] is a bit awkward for the talks that I am going to have on the 26th [of February]. But the Iraqis have confirmed that they are coming. So we will pursue attempts to break the impasse and pull them into cooperation with the U-N.

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A key topic at the meetings is expected to be Iraqi cooperation with U-N weapons inspectors. The Iraqi government's position has been that there will be no cooperation.

Secretary-General Annan says he does not expect what he calls a "miraculous break-through" with the Iraqi representatives. But, he adds, if there were no hope of progress he would not be holding the meetings. (Signed)

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