SECRETARY-GENERAL TO MEET WITH IRAQI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ON SATURDAY IN BAGHDAD
Press Release
SG/T/2116
SECRETARY-GENERAL TO MEET WITH IRAQI DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ON SATURDAY IN BAGHDAD
19980220(Received from the Spokesman travelling with the Secretary-General.)
Secretary-General Kofi Annan was met at the Saddam Hussein International Airport by the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Tariq Aziz. He briefly spoke to the press before proceeding to the Government Guest House. Deputy Prime Minister Aziz formally welcomed the Secretary-General in front of the press.
This evening the Secretary-General met with the Russian Special Envoy, Viktor Posuvalyuk. It has been agreed that the Secretary-General will meet with Mr. Aziz at 10.a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, 21 February. The meeting is expected to last for three hours. No additional arrangements have been agreed upon.
This evening at 10 p.m., Baghdad time, the Spokesman for the Secretary- General, Fred Eckhard, and the Head of the Technical Team, Staffan de Mistura, addressed members of the press. It was announced that the Secretary-General would remain in Baghdad for one additional day to discuss the oil-for-food programme. The Secretary-General is therefore now scheduled to depart Baghdad, Monday, 23 February.
Mr. de Mistura answered questions relating to his mission. A map of Iraq was on display and Mr. de Mistura indicated the geographical location of the eight presidential sites visited. He emphasized the technical nature of his mission by pointing out that it was a visit as opposed to an inspection.
Questions centred around the participation of United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) staff in the mission.
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