10/23/2002 | AST

Це все схоже на якусь маячню. Докази незаконних співпраць з Іраком в американців з`являються як на замовлення.

Теперь виявляється, що боснійськи серби пречудово співробітничали в військовій галузі з Саддамом незважаючи на легку перешкоду в вигляді сил ООН.


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QUESTION: Okay. New topic? The Republic Srpska, are they selling aircraft parts to Iraq? And if so, what is the US Government going to do about this?

MR. BOUCHER: First, I think you know that we look at any supposed or actual proposed transfers of weapons or military assistance to Iraq by any country with serious concerns. We have clear evidence that the Arao aviation firm, A-r-a-o, in cooperation with a Yugoslav firm, Yugo Import, has been refurbishing military aircraft for Iraq. We presented this information to senior officials of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic Srpska and the Government of Yugoslavia.

The officials have pledged a full investigation of these allegations. The US expects the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Yugoslavia to undertake the necessary steps to immediately halt any ongoing cooperation with Iraq, to conduct a thorough investigation and to hold accountable those responsible. The US also expects all UN members to meet their obligations to prevent the transfer of weapons or other materials prohibited by UN sanctions to Iraq. This also highlights the need to put in place proper regulatory systems.

Such activities are also a violation of the Republic Srpska's obligations under the Dayton Peace Accords to keep the stabilization forces informed regarding military export activities. So those are the things we're asking for and pushing for out there.

QUESTION: Just a couple follow-ups. One, how long has this been going on as far as you can tell? And two, the Republic of Srpska, last time I checked was, you know, was on a UN lifeline, as the whole of Bosnia was, you know. Wouldn't the UN have known about this if there was a company in Srpska who was doing this sort of thing, and have you gotten cooperation from the UN?

MR. BOUCHER: Well, I would say at this point we know these transfers are taking place. SFOR people have been working on the issue as well as governments like the United States. But I'll just see if I can get you any more detail. This was just breaking this morning and so I've got your basics here.

Okay. Matt.

QUESTION: Well, related. Just, you've made the same allegations about Ukraine. I'm wondering if the -- well, some similar allegations. I'm wondering if your inspector, your team of experts -- I believe they are on their way back or are back.

MR. BOUCHER: They are on the way back. They are writing their report for us.

QUESTION: Okay. So you don't have anything new?

MR. BOUCHER: Don't have anything, any results at this point.