Arab reactions as Russia denounces attack
Regional-Iraq, Politics, 12/17/1998

Arab reactions on the US - British military operation against Iraq, Desert Fox, have not been forthcoming due to the timing of the strike and the official news sources release.

In Cairo, hours before Iraq was struck, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak urged all concerned parties to defuse all reasons and differences behind the current crisis.

In Jordan, Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib said the military choice will not solve the issue of weapons of mass destruction and that the perfect solution to this issue is ratifying international legitimacy measures for comprehensive supervision aimed at ending the suffering of the Iraqi people.

Russia informed the Arab League of its opposition to the US - British strikes against Iraq, considering it a violation of United Nations decisions.

This came following a written communique sent by Russian Foreign Minister Igor Sergeyevich Ivanov to Cairo.

On the other hand, the Arab League council will hold an urgent meeting on the level of permanent deputies on Sunday under the chairmanship of Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid to discuss the US - British invasion against Iraq, according to an official demand by Iraq to the AL.

Meanwhile, Ten thousand Cairo University students demonstrated yesterday, protesting the missile attacks against Iraq.

The demonstrators shouted slogans denouncing the US and Britain, repeating the expression "with blood and soul we protect you Iraq," and the citizens feelings were aggravated.

Those who followed the demonstration's march until security forces besieged the demonstrators demanding from them to calm down, saying that the security forces "support you" and the state's position is obvious toward the Iraq issue and the indication is that the government and President Mubarak denounce the attacks on Iraq.

White House Spokesman Joe Lockhart said today that President Bill Clinton called President Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein describing the conversations as "constructive and productive."

Previous Stories:
  Iraq slams US attacks and questions significance of violations   (12/17/1998)
  The US and UK strike against Iraq   (12/17/1998)
  The US attacks Iraq   (12/16/1998)
  Annan: US policy toward Iraq goes beyond UN policy   (12/16/1998)
  Baghdad prevents inspections at Baath party headquarters   (12/11/1998)

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