US plan to topple Saddam by Iraqi opposition

An Egyptian daily reported that US Secretary of Defense William Cohen briefed several Arab Gulf states he recently visited on the content of the US plan to topple Saddam Hussein through Iraqi opposition elements.

The Egyptian daily al-Osbou' said that during his visit to these countries, Cohen tried to convince the Arab Gulf states to offer additional financial support to carry out the plan.

US Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon said yesterday, "The administration agrees with Congress that a more active Iraqi opposition is desirable. In fact, this administration has been working hard to encourage a more active Iraqi opposition. As you probably recall, last month two Kurdish leaders, Massoud Barzani and Jalal Talibani, met with Secretary Albright, and it was their first meeting in over four years. And they decided to try to work together to bury their differences so they can work as a more unified front. That's progress, but... it may be slow progress."

Asked on whether it is realistic to think that funding the Iraqi opposition, a plan which Bacon said he expects President Clinton to endorse, will result in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, he said it is "more realistic to think that than by not funding them."