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To: Crimson Ghost who wrote (28370)	8/26/1998 9:54:00 AM
From: Captain James T. Kirk	Respond to of 95453

Inspectors Waiting for Iraq Orders NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press Writer UNITED NATIONS (AP) - U.N. weapons inspectors are waiting for more instructions from the Security Council before deciding how and when they'll try to search for banned weapons in the face of Iraq's decision to stop cooperation, the chief inspector said Tuesday. In the meantime, Richard Butler said he would amplify his previous reports about Iraq's abilities to produce the deadly nerve agent VX and its chemical munitions. Some council members had requested more details before deciding how to respond to Iraq's decision. ''It's best if we sit on the bench and give them information as required,'' Butler said in an interview with The Associated Press. ''It's best for us to await further deliberation by and guidance from the Security Council.'' His comments indicated that any test of Iraq's resolve to enforce its Aug. 5 decision to freeze cooperation with inspectors was not imminent, though as a rule, inspectors wouldn't announce a search anyway. But Butler's statements also indicate that inspectors seemingly don't want to provoke a possible confrontation with Iraq without more backing from the council, which has been unusually muted in its response. Council members more sympathetic to Baghdad could accuse inspectors of looking for a fight while the council was working on a diplomatic solution. Weapons experts must certify that Iraq has destroyed its long-range missiles and biological, chemical and nuclear weapons before the council will lift sanctions imposed after Baghdad invaded Kuwait in 1990. Baghdad froze cooperation after Butler refused to certify Iraqi compliance. The move paralyzed inspections since inspectors can't conduct searches without Iraqi escorts. The council has only said Baghdad's decision was ''totally unacceptable,'' and urged inspectors try to do their work - a move that some criticized as passing the responsibility onto inspectors. Butler asked that cooperation resume in a letter last week to Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz. Aziz rejected the request. ''When Aziz answered 'we will not cooperate,' he did deliver the ball back to the Security Council side of the court,'' Butler said. The United States and Britain are seeking to have regular reviews on sanctions suspended until Baghdad resumes cooperation. A draft resolution was expected this week. Butler rejected Iraq's demand that the special commission be reconfigured and suggestions that he be replaced. Iraq says Washington has too much influence over the inspectors and is manipulating it and Butler to maintain sanctions. ''I will not agree to wave a magic wand over Iraq's weapons program,'' he said. ''Were I to do that, that would be a reason for someone to say 'he should go.''' --------------------------------------------------------------------------------