USIA - State Department Report, 97-05-07

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REPORT ON STATE DEPARTMENT NOON BRIEFING, MAY 7, 1997

(Iraq, Zaire) (330)

IRAQ -- Dinger sharply denied published reports claiming the United States has delayed shipments of humanitarian aid to Iraq. "I reject that categorically," Dinger said. "There is only one party that is responsible for a shortage of food or humanitarian supplies in Iraq, and that is the Government of Saddam Hussein."

Dinger noted that some food supplies have already arrived in Iraq but have not been distributed. According to Dinger, delays in humanitarian aid deliveries exist because "the government of Saddam Hussein refuses to, first, agree to, and then to follow (United Nations) restrictions that are aimed at insuring that this assistance reaches the people who are in need."

ZAIRE -- Dinger confirmed reports that Mobutu left Zaire May 7 for Gabon, where Mobutu says he will attend a 3-day conference. The United States will not be sending representatives to that conference, according to Dinger. He could not confirm reports that Mobutu intends to go into exile.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson arrived in Paris May 7 where he planned to brief French officials about the situation in Zaire. Richardson will then return to the United States.

According to Dinger, the main goals of Richardson's trip to Zaire the week of May 5 were to convince rebel alliance leader Laurent Kabila to work to establish an inclusive transitional government leading to free elections and to respect human rights. Dinger noted that Kabila "has publicly stated his support for democratic and free-market principles."

Dinger reiterated the U.S. view that "there is an urgent need for President Mobutu or his representatives to be in contact with the rebel alliance to insure a peaceful transfer of power and then to form an inclusive interim government that will lead to elections as soon as possible."

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