http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/3/15/220029.shtml
In a sign that war is not far off, the United Nations has begun to reduce its presence in Iraq to the bare essentials. A spokesman for the UN arms inspectors (UNMOVIC) in New York, explained that "personnel reductions" are currently underway in Iraq. Ewen Buchanan pointedly refused to call the staff pull out an "evacuation." "We are currently down to 150 total personnel, down from a high of 225. People who are currently on vacation or leave are not returning (to Iraq) and those on short three-month contracts were not renewed," he explained. It was also revealed that the new UN office scheduled to be open in the southern Iraqi city of Basra has now been put "on hold." With personnel levels now at 150, the UN can move quickly to evacuate its remaining employees to Jordan or Cyprus should a war break out. The UN would only need less than 24 hours to close down its remaining operations, says an official of the world body. However, in a surprise move, the government of Saddam Hussein on Saturday asked for "urgent consultations" with chief UN arms inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei. Buchanan explained that the Baghdad "invitation" was being reviewed and that Blix and ElBaradei would consult with the Security Council before making a decision. Iraq's UN ambassador Mohammed Aldori denied the invite was a last minute stall tactic. In an interview with NewsMax, Aldouri insisted that Baghdad really does want a diplomatic solution out of the current crisis: "We cannot stop hoping that diplomacy may prevail. A political and diplomatic solution may yet be successful. So we are doing our best. If they (the US and UK) really want to launch a war, nobody can stop them." A spokesman at the US/UN mission in New York City had no immediate comment. Should the invitation be accepted, one could see the two chief inspectors arriving in the Iraqi capital at the same time numerous diplomatic missions complete their evacuations. It is unclear what the two officials might achieve at such a late date. While the UN arms inspectors have whittled down their numbers, the UN's humanitarian operations in Iraq have all but disappeared. >From a high of 1,000 in 2002, it is now down to less than 50. Yet, the UN is making preparations to reintroduce as many as 5,000 aid workers on short notice after any prospective war in Iraq. The UN calls such an Iraqi postwar relief operation "one of its biggest efforts ever." The aid campaign would dwarf recent relief activities in Afghanistan, East Timor, Cambodia, Rwanda and Kosovo. Estimates range to a high of "$20 billion or more" within the first year. Neighboring Jordan, Iran, Turkey and Kuwait fear as many as "2 million" Iraqis may try to flee the country in the opening hours of a possible war. Jordanian officials warn that their already shakey economy "could collapse" under the added strain. Turkey, which refused more than $10 billion in aid from Washington, has stated that it will seal off its border with Iraq "at gunpoint" if need be. Meanwhile, UNMOVIC is still waiting for information from the Pentagon on reports claiming that Iraq has moved Scud missiles to the western border with Jordan. The US has also claimed that artillery shells that could carry chemical weapons have been moved to the southern city of Basra. Such a move could expose US/UK forces now stationed in Kuwait to a surprise attack, say Pentagon sources. "If we are provided with information (from the US) on these reports, we will move on it," explained Buchanan. "So far, we have heard nothing." xponent Retreat Maru rob Along the drifting cloud the eagle searching down on the land Catching the swirling wind the sailor sees the rim of the land The eagles dancing wings create as weather spins out of hand _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
