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Clinton tells Saddam retaliation would be 'big mistake'

President Clinton

Iraq extends deadline for expulsion of arms inspectors

November 4, 1997
Web posted at: 6:26 p.m. EST (2326 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Once again, the United States has drawn a line in the sand in its ongoing conflict with Iraq.

President Clinton and Defense Secretary William Cohen warned Saddam Hussein not to retaliate against U-2 spy planes flying over Iraq, with Clinton stressing Tuesday that it would be "a big mistake" if Saddam takes action to threaten the aircraft.

Cohen also warned of "serious consequences."

In a brief exchange with reporters in the Rose Garden, Clinton called on Saddam to comply with U.N. resolutions and allow weapons inspections to proceed unhindered. ( icon 372 K/17 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

"If he has nothing to hide, if he's not trying to develop weapons of mass destruction, then he shouldn't care whether Americans or anyone else are on the inspection team.

"This may be just another dodge," the president said.

Asked how the United States would respond if Iraq targets American-piloted U-2 flights, Clinton replied: "That would be a big mistake." ( icon 375 K/17 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Clinton said the flights are carried out under the authority of the United Nations for a U.N. mission. "We will continue to consult with our allies on that."

"But let me say again," Clinton added, "the world has an interest, stated in the United Nations Security resolution, in preventing Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction. That's what this is all about. There is an inspection regime which has clearly been approved by the United Nations." ( icon 471 K/21 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

"And Saddam Hussein must restore respect and opportunity for that inspection regime. That's all this is about. And we have to be very firm about it."

Cohen did not say when the next U-2 flights were planned, but observers said they were likely to go ahead on Thursday.

"We believe that the U-2 flights should go forward," Cohen said. "Should there be any effort to either attack that aircraft or put it into any danger, we would view that as a very grave matter with serious consequences."

The president spoke at the White House after Cohen talked with reporters at the Defense Department.

Iraq has said the surveillance missions serve U.S. intelligence, and Baghdad has repeatedly called for the U-2 flights to be halted. The reconnaissance planes fly at an altitude of about 60,000 feet, within range of Iraqi missiles.

U-2 planes have for years provided information to U.N. teams seeking to find and neutralize Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

The 'no-fly' zone

Also, U.S. warplanes monitor no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq.

Earlier Tuesday, Iraq agreed not to expel U.S. weapons inspectors until after a three-man U.N. delegation completes its mission in Baghdad.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Tuesday that Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, has indicated to him that Baghdad would halt its expulsion edict until after Security Council consultations on Iraq next week.

The council will meet Monday and may extend talks into the week. Annan also said 'its highly probable" that Aziz is coming to New York for the return of the three man UN delegation now enroute to Iraq on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Iraq originally wanted all U.S. weapons inspectors out of the country by Wednesday, but Annan had urged Baghdad to delay that ultimatum.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 
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