Iraq Flag Iraq Special Collection

Iraq and UNSCOM: Selected CNS Missile Database Abstracts

1998

Doc. Code: 7886
Bibliography: BMD, 23 January 1998
Headline: UNSCOM Head Butler Calls Iraqi Talks "Disturbing"
Orig. Source: USIA United Nations Correspondent, 23 January 1998, by Judy Aita

ABSTRACT:

UNSCOM Chairman Richard Butler told the UN Security Council that his meetings in Baghdad did not resolve the confrontation regarding UN weapons inspection in Iraq. Butler characterized these meetings as "disturbing and disappointing" compared to previous meetings with senior Iraqi officials, which Butler had referred to as "correct and business-like". Furthermore, Butler found it unacceptable that Iraq has responded with defiance to Security Council resolutions, the UN inspection team, and the international community.

US Ambassador Bill Richardson pointed out that the United States "feels very strongly that there should be full, unfettered access to all sites .. In the next few days we will be consulting with our allies inside and outside the UN Security Council on the next steps". He said that "We want to resolve this issue diplomatically but we are not ruling any option out."

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Doc. Code: 7877
Bibliography: Christopher S. Wren, New York Times, 27 January 1998, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: UN Weapons Inspection Chief Tell Of Iraqi Tricks
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Richard Butler, head of the UN Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM) reported that Iraq has loaded biological weapons onto missile warheads. Butler said, "that the biological weapons were loaded onto missiles that could be put on mobile launchers and driven away to avoid being hit by bombs." Butler did not say where he received his information, but said, Iraq had enough biological material like anthrax or botulin toxin to "blow away Tel Aviv." Butler also said that he did not know how many missiles Iraq had.

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Doc. Code: 7887
Bibliography: Washington Post, 18 February 1998, p.1, by John F. Harris and John M. Goshko
Headline: Clinton Makes Case For Strike Against Iraq
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

In a speech to the Pentagon on 17 February 1998, US President Clinton described Iraq's history regarding weapons inspections after the 1990-91 Gulf War as "delay and deception." While a military strike may be necessary the United States said it prefers a diplomatic solution. Clinton said that the terms for a US agreement for UN weapons inspections are inflexible. "We have no business agreeing to any resolution of this that does not include free, unfettered access to the remaining sites by people who have integrity and proven competence in the inspection business."

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will visit Baghdad on 21 February 1998. An official in the Clinton administration said the US does not believe Annan's mission will be successful. If not, US officials said "an extended air bombardment campaign will become a virtual certainty."

Clinton's speech was aimed at building public support for a US confrontation with Iraq. Clinton does not want to be portrayed as "bloodthirsty" for war, especially since France, Russia, and other US partners on the Security Council oppose a military strike. They have proposed that the inspection of the presidential palace be put directly under Annan's command instead of under UNSCOM. However, the United States does not agree to such a plan. Saddam believes that blocking these inspections is "merely asserting legitimate national pride and sovereignty by restricting access to personal residences."

Clinton criticized the Iraqi President by saying "Now, instead of playing by the very rules he agreed to at the end of the Gulf War, Saddam has spent the better part of the past decade trying to cheat on this solemn commitment. Iraq has filed false reports about what programs it has."

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Doc. Code: 8191
Bibliography: New York Times, 24 April 1998, by Barbara Crossette, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: Iraq Again Threatens To Halt Arms Inspections
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

A statement from the Iraqi cabinet said, "the United States would pay dearly" if economic sanctions were not lifted. Also, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz demanded in a letter to the UN Security Council that sanctions be lifted "immediately without any new restrictions or conditions." In addition, Aziz reported that the latest UNSCOM report, which criticized Iraq for withholding information, was full of "tremendous and flagrant fallacies and lies."

US State Department spokesman James Rubin reported that there can be "no quick technical fixes to hasten the end of sanctions" and that "sanctions will stay on, as long as Iraq continues to flout UN resolutions."

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Doc. Code: 8315
Bibliography: CNN, 1 May 1998, <http://www.cnn.com>
Headline: Annan Says Iraq Still 'Committed' To Arms Probe Pact
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said on 30 April 1998 that he "is satisfied that Iraq continues to be fully committed to the memorandum of understanding" and has no reason to think Iraq intentionally restricted UNSCOM inspectors. His comments came after reports on 28 April 1998 that searches of compounds did not entitle inspectors to an unlimited number of visits.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf said that surveillance of the palaces could not go on indefinitely. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said that since the memorandum took place, over 1,000 palaces and structures have been inspected. He said that the right of access to these site was "an absolute right to be exercised without any regard" for special procedures. Aziz said that the inspections were for the purpose of refuting US and British assertions that Iraq maintained weapons of mass destruction (WMD). However, Charles Duelfer, UNSCOM's deputy chairman, said that the inspection were "to establish a database to be used in subsequent inspections and long-term monitoring and verification."

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Doc. Code: 8304
Bibliography: Washington Times, 8 May 1998, by Stewart Stogel, <http://www.washtimes.com>
Headline: Weapons Inspectors See Iraq Getting Upper Hand
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

UN weapons inspectors believe that the US administration is frustrated by the lack of support from other countries to continue weapons inspections and sanctions against Iraq. A senior UNSCOM official said that the US administration in quietly giving up on ridding Iraq of its prohibited weapons and dropping support for UNSCOM's efforts. Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Shahaf said there is a "fundamental shift in the dynamic in the [Middle East], and the [US officials] know it." Al-Shahaf said that there is little support in the Security Council for continuing sanctions.

Senior Pentagon officers said that they were considering a reduction in US ground and air forces in the Persian Gulf. Travel bans for Iraqi officials were lifted on 7 May 1998 after five months. However State Department spokesman James Foley denied that the administration had lessened its commitment to the inspection in Iraq. The Security Council is expected to publicly endorse the latest IAEA report in mid May 1998, which would "close the book" on Iraq's nuclear weapons inspections.

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Doc. Code: 8380
Bibliography: Washington Times, 6 August 1998, <http://www.washtimes.com>
Headline: Saddam Shuts Down UN Inspectors
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on 5 August 1998 ended all cooperation with UN weapons inspectors. An Iraqi government statement said that "there would be no further cooperation with the UN's Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM) or the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until the following demands were met:"

(1) UNSCOM would be transferred from New York to either Vienna or Geneva. This transfer would "keep UNSCOM away from US influence." (2) The commission's leadership would be dissolved and rebuilt with equal numbers from each of the five permanent Security Council members. (3) The position of UNSCOM's chairman would rotate among the five nations of the Security Council. (4) Iraq would be appointed as an "observer" on the commission. (5) Iraq would be recognized as having complied with all Security Council resolutions.

US State Department officials have taken a "wait and see" attitude. State Department deputy spokesman James Foley said that "we don't have any confirmation at this point that UNSCOM inspections are affected in any way, but it would certainly be a very disturbing development."

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Doc. Code: 8382
Bibliography: New York Times, 13 August 1998, by Barbara Crossette, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: Iraq Increasingly Defiant On Arms Inspections
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

UN officials reported on 12 August 1998 that Iraq had blocked all UN weapons inspections. Iraq also announced that UN inspectors would not be allowed to act on any violation that they discover.

In statements to the UN Security Council, Richard Butler, executive chairman of the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM), and Mohammed el-Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that "Iraq's refusal to cooperate with active inspections was already weakening what they called ongoing monitoring and verification."

The UN Security Council will meet on 13 August 1998 to discuss the current situation in Iraq.

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Doc. Code: 8390
Bibliography: New York Times, 18 August 1998, by Paul Lewis, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: Mediator Failed To Sway Iraq On Arms, Security Council Is Told
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Diplomats told the UN Security Council on 17 August 1998 that Prakash Shah, the UN's mediator in Iraq, was unsuccessful in persuading Baghdad to resume cooperation with the UN's Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The diplomats also said that Iraq would not allow inspectors to visit sites until they declared the country free of nuclear, chemical, and biological arms, and until the Security Council lifted its trade embargo.

Iraq's UN representative Nizar Hamdoon said that Iraq stopped all cooperation with the two agencies because their inspections had been "unjust and unfair." Bill Richardson, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, said "it was now up to the Security Council and the Secretary General to respond adequately."

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Doc. Code:
Bibliography: CNN, 22 September 1998, <http://www.cnn.com>
Headline: U.N. To Get Results of Iraqi Warhead Probe This Week
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Final results from the French and Swiss analysis of Iraqi warheads suspected of carrying VX gas are expected the week of 21 September 1998. Although preliminary tests found no presence of the nerve agent, previous tests on fragments of warheads did detect traces of VX. If the new results find no VX, Baghdad must still explain the previous findings said U.N. chief weapons inspector Richard Butler.

Iraq's deputy Prime Minister Tariq Azia is expected to meet with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan on 28 September 1998 regarding the arms inspection standoff which has brought the inspections to a halt since 5 August 1998. Annan is creating a proposal to resolve the impasse and lift sanctions imposed since 1990.

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Doc. Code: 8971
Bibliography: Washington Post, 17 October 1998
Headline: Annan Says Iraq Will Never Be Fully Disarmed
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan told reporters on 16 October 1998 that he believes Iraq will never be fully disarmed and that weapons inspectors may have to avoid confrontational inspections in order to regain Iraq's cooperation. Annan cited the United States disinterest in military force to push Iraq to comply to inspections and the sympathy of Russia, France, and China as reasons why Iraq will not comply with inspections. Annan stated he fears Iraq will bar the U.N. Special Commission (UNSCOM) from entering Iraq completely.

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Doc. Code: 8953
Bibliography: Times Of India, 23 October 1998, <http://www.timesofindia.com>
Headline: UNSCOM Throws Out US Arms Inspector For Illegal Use Of Camera
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

An unidentified US arms inspector working for the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) was sent home 8 October 1998 for "using a private camera in violation of UNSCOM rules at an inspection site."

In a similar incident, on 21 October 1998, Iraqi General Hussam Mohammad Amin accused a Chilean UNSCOM helicopter crewmen of using his own camera to take photos of "sensitive equipment." Amin stated, "Some inspectors use their function in the Special Commission to serve some intelligence services."

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Doc. Code: 8980
Bibliography: Evelyn Leopold, Washington Times, 11 November 1998, <http://www.washingtontimes.com>
Headline: UN Inspectors, Relief Staff Leave Iraq
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Military strikes against Iraq may be closer than previously thought, according to "military sources in Kuwait." [1] Since Iraq halted UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspections on 5 August 1998, the situation has intensified. On 31 October 1998, Iraq ended UNSCOM monitoring of declared sites and began permitting only the servicing of cameras and equipment at the sites. It also asked for the removal of UN disarmament chief Richard Butler and the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed since the end of the 1990-1991 Gulf War [3].

On 8 November 1998, British Defense Minister George Robertson stated that the current situation "would not be allowed to drag into the new year." US Secretary of Defense William Cohen said on 10 November 1998, "Diplomacy always should have every opportunity to dance. But at some point, a dance has a beginning and an end." Said one US official, diplomacy is still taking place, but "This is not a situation where we are looking for a negotiation. There's nothing to negotiate."

On 11 November 1998, UNSCOM removed more than 100 arms inspectors from Baghdad due to the escalating situation in Iraq and the United Nations sent home 220 humanitarian aid workers. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also stated that it would remove its weapons inspectors from Iraq.

Iraq has said that while it hopes there will be a diplomatic resolution of the situation, it will not budge from its demand to remove sanctions. Added Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's son Uday, "threats of enemies will not sway Iraq."[2]

Six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have given the United States use of their military infrastructure if necessary [1]. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Ibn Abdul Aziz said on 7 November 1998 that Hussein "acts against the interests of the Arabs in general and of Iraq in particular". Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Fraisal said in Cairo on 8 November 1998 that "Iraq must assume its responsibilities and go back on its decision to stop work with UNSCOM." [3]

France, China, and Russia however, have insisted that the Security Council should lift the sanctions as Iraq has complied with UNSCOM and has dismantled its weapons of mass destruction capability as directed by resolution 687 of the cease fire terms of 1991 [2].

"US analysts" said that US President Bill Clinton must have international backing if he goes through with military strikes. However, they added that if Clinton continues to wait for diplomatic intervention, he risks damaging US credibility and may find the stability of the Middle East compromised. [1]

According to Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon, Cohen is confident that the United States will have support from the international community should it need to "take appropriate action to support the UN." [3].

The United States has 23,000 military persons currently deployed in the Gulf, 21 warships, 174 aircraft, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, a Navy amphibious assault group attached to the USS Essex, and roughly 20 other ships in the area many with Tomahawk missiles [2].

Supporting Sources:

[1] Jordan Times, "Western Allies Closer To Iraq Strike Than Thought", 10 November 1998.
[2] Jordan Times , "Iraq Shrugs Off US Warnings, UNSCOM Pulls Out Inspectors", 10 November 1998.
[3] Jordan Times, "Saudi Arabia Does Not Rule Out Use Of Force To Solve Iraqi Crisis", 10 November 1998.

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Doc. Code: 8976
Bibliography: Thomas Lippman and Bradley Graham, Washington Post, 13 November 1998, p.A38
Headline: Support for US Stance on Iraq Grows
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

On 12 November 1998, the United States began deploying 139 heavy bombers and other warplanes to the Persian Gulf in preparation for a possible airstrikes against Iraq. The additional air support will double US firepower stationed in the Persian Gulf. In addition to the 139 planes deployed by the Defense Department, twelve B-52 bombers are also on their way to the Indian Ocean.

International support for the US position that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein must resume cooperation with UN weapons inspectors (UNSCOM) seems to be growing, according to the US administration. White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said that when calling the leaders of Germany, Sweden, and Belgium, he has seen "a united international community."

When asked about a military strategy, US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott said that the United States has "thought well beyond hour one, day one, week one." He also added later "there are lots of ways we can make sure [Hussein] loses on day one and thereafter."

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Doc. Code: 8978
Bibliography: Barbara Crosette and Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 17 November 1998, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: Allies See Iraq Bombing As Inevitable
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Although Iraqi President Saddam Hussein agreed to "unconditional" UN Special Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections, American and British forces were prepared as of 17 November 1998, and could be sent into combat "within hours" according to an American official.

President Bill Clinton said on 16 November 1998 that the world is watching Hussein and waiting to see if he complies. "Our forces remain strong and ready if he does not," said Clinton."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair stated that the next time Hussein is uncooperative with UNSCOM and the IAEA, "he will be hit."

However, according to Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Traiq Aziz, Iraq's cooperation is unconditional and "Any other interpretation would be mistaken."[1]

Supporting Sources:

[1] FBIS-SOV-98-319, Rafael Bikbayev, Moscow ITAR-TASS, 15 November 1998

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Doc. Code: 8993
Bibliography: FBIS-TAC-98-332, 23 November 1998
Headline: UNSCOM Sources Reveal Iraqi Weapons Development Projects
Orig. Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat (London)

ABSTRACT:

UNSCOM sources stated that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is attempting to produce weapons of mass destruction. This article listed two military projects that can be used for military as well as civil purposes. The first project is for cloud seeding to produce rain in arid climates that could also be used to disperse biological or chemical weapons. This project is headed by Hussein's son Uday. The second project is one that employs small model planes that could be used for "medium and long-range cruise missiles that would carry biological or chemical weapons."

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Doc. Code: 8998
Bibliography: Barbara Crossette, New York Times, 23 Nov 1998 <http://www.nytimes.com >
Headline: Iraq Backtracks in New Defiance Over Inspections
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf announced on 22 November 1998 that Iraq would not hand over any more documents pertaining to Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program. He stood by Iraq's earlier statement that it had given UN weapons inspectors (UNSCOM) "over two million pages of files and had no more documents to give." Sahhaf said that this latest request by UNSCOM for more documents was only a new tactic to "create unwarranted problems."

UNSCOM inspectors stationed in Iraq were scheduled to resume monitoring of known sites on 25 November 1998. UN officials say that given Iraq's uncooperative attitude, inspectors will not likely gain free access to previously off-limits sites. Iraqi deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz accused UNSCOM chairman Richard Butler of blocking the comprehensive review of UNSCOM's actions in Iraq, which was proposed earlier this year. Aziz said that Butler was either "creating a superficial pretext to justify the American aggressions or he is trying to confuse and undermine the comprehensive review."

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Doc. Code: 9101
Bibliography: Jordan Times, 25 November 1998, <http://www.access2arabia.com/jordantimes>
Headline: Baghdad Maintains Tough Stance On Weapons Documents
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

UNSCOM chief Richard Butler issued a series of letters requesting documents containing information on Iraq’s biological, chemical, and ballistic missile disarmament. In response, Iraq Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz sent a letter on 23 November 1998 to the UN Security Council rejecting Butler's demands, stating it was a "quest for the impossible" as the documents no longer exist. Aziz stated that Iraq was cooperating fully.

Aziz accused Butler of "overstepping his mandate." Aziz said at a Baghdad poetry festival, "Iraq is living in a new period in its perpetual battle against the vile and the tyrants of the world, the United States and the Zionist and those who serve their interests to humiliate Iraq and subjugate it through threats of destruction."

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Doc. Code: 9112
Bibliography: Dawn, 11 December 1998, <http://dawn.com>
Headline: US Orders B-52 Bombers to Gulf
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Pentagon officials said on 10 December 1998 that seven US B-52 bombers have been ordered to the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia to relieve seven other B-52’s which were sent in November 1998 in preparation for an airstrike on Iraq. However, the B-52s that were to be relieved have not been ordered to return to the United States. According to this article, the US movements suggest that Washington is "positioning itself for another military confrontation with Baghdad over UN arms inspectors."

Iraq has refused to allow UN arms inspections of the ruling Baath party’s offices in Baghdad. UNSCOM chief Richard Butler wrote to the UN Security Council stating that Iraq was interfering with inspections. In addition, Butler said that Iraq has refused to explain where the equipment and microorganisms, thought to be associated with biological weapons production, had been moved following the November 1998 standoff between Iraq and the UN Security Council.[1]

Supporting Sources:

[1] Barbara Crossette, "Iraq Again Hindering Inspections, U.N. Told," New York Times, 11 November 1998, <http://www.nyt.com>.

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Doc. Code:
Bibliography: New York Times, 16 December 1998, <http://www.nytimes.com>
Headline: Threat of Air Strikes Looming as UN Inspectors Leave Iraq
Orig. Source:

ABSTRACT:

Richard Butler, Chief of the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM), ordered weapons inspectors to leave Baghdad on 16 December 1998. Butler reported that Iraqi officials had interfered with UNSCOM's investigations. He said that inspectors trying to enter the Baath Party headquarters were denied entrance. This interference defeated the purpose of inspections.

US President Bill Clinton met with his national security team on 16 December 1998 to discuss possible future actions. A White House national security aide said "this is obviously a very serious situation. All options are on the table." British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said that "air strikes could come quickly and without warning."

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