NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA REVIEW

Created: 5/15/1981

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

IRAO-USSB; SURFACE IHTRQvXWEKTS OlfLT (U)

Recent Soviet attempts to mend relation* withare unlikely to win Iraqi gratitude.

The rapid deterioretlon of Iraqi-Soviet ties since the beginning ofan-Iraq var has. however, been arrested. During tbe lest several weeks, the Soviets have repeired key electric generating facilities et Koairiyah, exchanged cordialith Baghdad on theof the friendship treaty, end signed new economic cooperation agreements with Iraq. More importantly,

noscov baa partially lifted the area eabargo that

been in effect since the start of the Iran-Iraq war.

Iraqi relations with lantern Europe have eleo warned. Key aeabers of the Iraqi hierarchy, accompanied by Trade and Oil Ministry officials, have visited Czechoslovakia. Bulgaria, Hungary, East Germany, and Romania over the laet two months. I

n uib composition ni the Iraqit is likely that discussions of bartering Iragi oil for East European manufactured goods. Including arms, were involved, since the beginning of the wer the Eaet Europeans have delivered to Iraq0 million in military supplies,spare parte, tanks, and artillery. | |

WO Reward for Moscow

Soviet and East European activities ere tootoo late to erase Iraqi mooter. Iraqis continueMoscow is primarily interested in improvingin Iran. I

IS1

Original document.

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