Iraq lists presidential sites to be inspected as Annan intensifies effort
Iraq, International, 2/14/1998

Diplomats said that Baghdad listed the 8 "presidential sites" -- to which UNSCOM has demanded access so weapons inspections can be carried out -- covering a total area of 70 square kilometers.

Among these sites are three in the capital: the palace which was the residence of the Hashimite royal family, al-Habbaniah palace near the airport, and a third palace in downtown Baghdad. One site is in Takrit -- the birthplace of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein -- and one is in the center of Salaedine city. A site in Basra, the second-largest city in Iraq at the meeting point of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is also included.

One site is located in al-Mawsel, a major city in northern Iraq in the district of Ninawa. One site is in al-Tharthar on a lake's bank, 120 km northwest of Baghdad, in Salaedine district.

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said the total area of the 8 sites is estimated at 70 square kilometers, whereas the US ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson, said the area of one of these sites exceeds the area of the US capital, Washington D.C.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is sending a technical team to Baghdad this weekend to work with Iraq to map out the "presidential sites" on an urgent basis. "I expect them to conclude this task within three or four days," he said.

Annan met with the UN Security Council Permanent Representatives of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States on ways to resolve the current crisis relating to United Nations inspections in Iraq. The meeting focused on the need to define the so-called "presidential sites and palaces" and how to inspect them.

"The participants in the meeting expressed full confidence in the United
Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) and its work, which is continuing
elsewhere in Iraq and which must continue unimpeded," the UN Secretary-General said.

Previous Stories:
  US outlines goals on Iraq, Congressional support wavering   (2/13/1998)
  Iraq to open all sites for inspection, time is not restricted   (2/12/1998)
  Iraq calls US bluff and will allow inspections   (2/11/1998)

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