Iraq once again under specter of military threat
Iraq-USA, Politics, 12/16/1998

In the aftermath of a report by UNSCOM chairman Richard Butler that was critical of Iraq cooperation with international weapons inspectors, the possiblity of military strikes by the US against Iraq is looming large once again.

Butler's report, subject of a UN Security Council meeting earlier today, detailed issues of alleged Iraqi interference in the inspection operations. In Iraq, UNSCOM pulled its inspectors from the country.

Iraqi UN representative Nizar Hamdoun had harsh words for UNSCOM after the meeting, characterizing the organization as "non-technical" and implicating the US in controlling the UNSCOM's actions. He said "the whole work of UNSCOM" has been heavily influenced by the United States, citing the international atomic energy agency investigating Iraq expressed satisfaction with Iraq because their work is "technical."

US State Department Spokesman James Rubin stated that the report shows a pattern of Iraqi "obfuscation, obstruction, and outright violation" regarding the Inspections. Rubin said, Iraq has not fulfilled the promise they made just a few weeks ago" on November 14. At that time, Iraq promised to cooperate fully, averting what appeared to be imminent military action by the US, which still maintains a force in the Gulf area that is equal to the force assembled in November.

Rubin said that UNSCOM inspectors have been unable to do their work for eight of the last 12 months amid frequent crises with Iraq over inspection operations He said that diplomacy had gone an "extra mile" in trying to secure Iraqi compliance with Security Council resolutions, but no real progress had been made.

"Iraq has no intention to cooperate fully with UNSCOM," Rubin said.

He indicated that US Secretary of State Albright had been in contact by telephone with several foreign ministers, including those of Security Council permanent members Russia, France and the UK.

British Foreign Minister Robin Cook characterized the Butler report as "very serious," saying is showed that Iraq had failed to adhere to its promise to provide unconditional access to inspectors, "Indeed far from allowing them unrestricted and unconditional access, the report does detail new restrictions that he has invented, in particular a requirement that for some sites UNSCOM should first of all send in a letter saying what it is they are looking for, presumably in order that the Iraqis can better empty the building of those things that are being looked for."

Despite the timing of the current military threat close to a US Congressional vote on impeachment of President Clinton, James Rubin stated that, "The timing was created by Iraq's failure to comply." Some conservatives and other factions in the Congress had wanted the US president to strike Iraq before and many were disappointed when he did not, resolving previous conflicts diplomatically. There is talk of delaying the impeachment vote if a strike against Iraq proceeds.

However, Nizar Hamdoun, called the Butler report's timing into question after today's Security Council meeting, saying, "the council, I think, was surprised" by the timing and nature of the report. He also stated that Butler had come under "heavy"attack during the meeting due to his report saying "Butler has taken a heavy attack from the council."

He indicated that he believes that the US is serious about using military force, saying, "It looks like the United States is determined to go for a military strike."

US State Department Spokesman James Rubin said today "stay tuned."

Previous Stories:
  US: Iraq has blocked at least three inspections   (12/15/1998)
  Baghdad prevents inspections at Baath party headquarters   (12/11/1998)
  UN Security Council: We have a solution to the war of frustration   (11/15/1998)

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