Gingrich backs Iraq policies

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) yesterday gave President Clinton an unequivocal pledge of support in the escalating showdown with Iraq, warning President Saddam Hussein not to be "confused by the difference between headlines and the national will."

Gingrich's remarks appeared deliberately designed to dispel any notion that the sex scandals plaguing the White House would translate into a partisan dispute over U.S. efforts to force Saddam Hussein to grant U.N. inspectors unrestricted access to suspected weapons sites.

"I'm worried that Saddam Hussein, not understanding America, might be confused by the difference between headlines and the national will," Gingrich told reporters at the opening of a GOP House leadership meeting. "He and his advisers should not make any decisions over the next few weeks based on the idea that America is in any way weaker or confused or unwilling to act."

In the last week, administration officials have made clear that the United States is prepared to bomb Iraq in the next few weeks if Saddam Hussein continues to refuse access to the inspectors. While saying that they have not abandoned hope of a peaceful end to the crisis, officials have begun contacting allies to inform them of U.S. resolve to act unilaterally if diplomatic efforts fail.

Russian President Boris Yeltsin yesterday sent Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk, a top Middle East expert, to Iraq in an effort to promote a diplomatic outcome. Presidential spokesperson Sergei Yastrzhembsky said U.S. threats of military action "worried" Yeltsin.

The new mission marked the second time in two months that Russia has tried to head off a military confrontation. Last fall, a similar Russian mission was instrumental in persuading Saddam Hussein to permit the return of the weapons inspectors to Iraq. In return for Iraqi cooperation, Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov promised to lobby for an eventual end to economic sanctions that were imposed on Iraq after its 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Generally, Primakov has been trying to forge an assertive foreign policy role for Russia and the repetitive Iraqi crises have provided a stage for showing independence from the United States.

But a foreign ministry spokesperson said yesterday there were "regular consultations" going on with Washington. Russian officials say that the Yeltsin government shares the same objectives as the United States - to eliminate Baghdad's capacity to make chemical and biological weapons - but differs in tactics.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the use of force is "unacceptable and counterproductive," and any further steps must be taken by the U.N. Security Council-where Russia, as one of five permanent members, has a veto.

The Clinton administration contends that force is already authorized under previous Security Council resolutions.

The White House's current disarray, however, has prompted reporters and some politicians to question whether Clinton can muster the resolve to deal with Iraq, or whether he might take precipitate action to divert attention from the scandals.

Gingrich's endorsement presented a sharp contrast to tepid support from other prominent Republicans, and open speculation by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) in a Sunday television appearance about whether Clinton "is in any condition to make the right call" on Iraq. Presidential spokesman Michael McCurry said yesterday the scandal would have no inhibiting effect on the President, and described the United States as "patient, but not interminably patient" with Saddam Hussein.

Gingrich's remarks appeared to second this approach, and to signal both GOP support for a tough stance and the Republicans' desire that Clinton, in a time of personal crisis, has the ability to make a decision without looking over his shoulder at his political opponents.

"We will actively support the government of the United States taking whatever steps it needs in order to ensure that our country and our children are safe," Gingrich said. "No one should be confused about the resolute nature of the American people and our willingness, as a unified team, to do what is necessary for our national security."

01-27-98