SPOT COMMENTARY
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Iraq-Kuwaiti situation Uport MU
Hiuurr
Iraqi Ground forcesi Down for the Count
As described by General schwartzkopf earlier this afternoon, organized Iraqi resistance in the Kuwait theater collapsed today; the Republican Guard sustained major losses. Surviving Iraqi forces continue to try to retreat, but have no cajor escape route open. Coalition air ettacks have destroyed or badly dacaged all permanent bridges across the Shatt Al Arab, from north of Basrah to the Gulf and US ground forces block all western exits,
ffer* Moran
Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq AiU notified the UN today that Iraq had "undertaken" the withdrawal from Kuwait aa called for In UN security Councilnd acceptedeclaring the annexation of Kuwait null and void. Iraq also accepted, which says Iraq is liable for damages to foreigners or their property resulting froa the invasion and occupation of Kuwait. These acceptances were aade conditional on an immediate cease-fire and the annulment of other resolutions which imposed an economic embargo and trade sanctions on Iraq.
Coaaaoti Saddam is growing increasingly desperate and probably hopes that by making these latest concessions, he canease-firs and halt the destruction of his army. He may also hope Soviet and UN involvement, combined with an outpouring of
support froa the Arab "man on the street^ will help him save
face and avoid admitting total defeat.
VI Developments
London announced that Iraq's latest offer to comply with two of theN resolutions la not good enough. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Major said the British Ambassador to Kuwait will return to his post as early as tomorrow.
Most European countriesust comply with all UN resolutions, J
view that Iraq
use* Mending renoes with the Coalition
A Soviet presidential spokesman this week stressed Moscow's support for all twelve of the UN resolutions and that the USSR would work with the US toonsensus in the UN Security Council. He said that the Iraqi people would have to decide who would lead the country; and its form of government. He also hinted that Moscow might be willing to send troops to the region as partN observer or peacekeeping force. Soviet Defenseov, who has strongly criticized coalition military activities, stated yesterday that Foreign Minister Alii had made unacceptable demands while in Moscow last week, that Saddam had stalled on negotiations, and that Iraqi defeat was Inevitable.
The Soviets probably fear that their recent peace efforts may have damaged relations with the US and that the coalition will exclude the USSRostwar settlement. Contributing Soviet troopseacekeeping force would help Sovietsoleettlement while allowing then to bolster their claimeacemaker. Moscow also may now question the viability of Saddam and hit reals*
the
Japan Say* the Cheok ia la tfa* Hall
The Diet lovar house budget committee today approved the supplementary budget containing Tokyo'*S9 billion aid package for the multinational force*. Meanvhile, the opposition Yoaelto--vhose vote* are key to the legialation'* passage in the upperyesterday it accepted Prise Minister Kaifu's proalse that the government will not restore0 million it is cutting in defense orocmms to flnanca the aid.
favorable prospects for the measure, particularly Xoaeito's positive stance, suggest Tokyo could begin disbursing the funds before the Japanese fiscal year ends onarch.
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Original document.
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