Iraq stresses rejection of no fly zones, Arab condemnation of US strikes
Iraq, Politics, 3/15/1999

Amid great Arab concern about continued aggressions, US warplanes renewed their strikes on positions in northern Iraq.

The US armed forces at the Turkish Incirlik base said in a statement that they bombarded on Sunday Iraqi air defense positions in the no-fly zone in northern Iraq, noting that details on the raid would be given later.

For its part, Iraq on Sunday stressed it is determinant to break the areas of no-fly zones imposed by the Western states on Iraq.

Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lt. Gen. Khattab Baker, said in a press interview that "breaking the embargo will be made by the Iraqi planes" and that "flying of the Iraqi planes over its airspace is a sacred right," stressing Iraq's right to defend its airspace.

In the meantime, the Arab states expressed concern over these attacks. Egypt has expressed fears that the air strikes made by the US and Britain against Iraq will be changed into a routine issue.

In Cairo some 12 Arab states have so far agreed to attend the 111th session of the Arab League council due to be held on the level of foreign ministers on Wednesday and Thursday. This session will deal with the Iraqi question.

Previous Stories:
  Yemen to re-mediate for halting media campaign between Iraq and Arab states   (3/13/1999)
  Iraq criticises the Arab League   (3/13/1999)
  Kuwaiti official warns of civil war in Iraq if Saddam Hussein is toppled   (3/13/1999)

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