Iraq accuses U.S. of hostile intent against Iraq

Iraqi reaction to the bombing of a supposed radar site near Basra yesterday by U.S. jet fighters was strong, stating that this strike was an unjustified and considered hostile action with the intent by the U.S. of launching a new comprehensive attack against Iraq.

In press statements, an official source in the Iraqi Ministry of Information and Culture said yesterday evening that the U.S. missiles hit the wrong target and struck a "fresh water" tank 18 km away from the nearest Iraqi radar station.

The official countered U.S. Defense Department claims that an Iraqi radar was tracking British Tornado jet fighters while on a mission to enforce the no-fly zone in southern Iraq.

The official said that this accident confirms the hostility of the U.S.A and its lack of respect for the security and sovereignty of the Iraqi nation.

Iraq said there are no Iraqi radar stations working in this area, because north of Basra is an area in which Iraqi aviation and radars are prohibited. Iraqi officials said, "This accident could be an excuse for more aggressive action against Iraq."

Some have claimed that Iraq is trying to exploit this incident to achieve political gains within its endeavors to put an end to the inspection and sanctions imposed by the United Nations.

U.S. ambassador to the U.N said today that "the sanctions are going to stay on" because Iraq has not cooperated with UNSCOM (the UN's weapons inspection team).

But the Iraqi government is laying the responsibility for the lack of progress in the talks between the United Nations and Iraq on "Britain's and the U.S.A's obstinacy" and says that they are behind the tension between the U.N and Iraq.