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Clinton Signs Iraq Liberation Act
http://www.fas.org/news/iraq/1998/11/01/981101-in.htm ^

Posted on 11/02/2005 4:28:10 PM PST by NYjarcola

I. CLINTON SIGNS IRAQ LIBERATION ACT, WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT, OCT 31 II. '99 APPROPRIATIONS BILL, IRAQ OPPOSITION, SIGNED BY CLINTON OCT 21 III. INC WELCOMES IRAQ LIBERATION ACT, PRESS STATEMENT, OCT 31

Today is the 89th day without weapons inspections in Iraq and the first day without UNSCOM monitoring.

"Iraq News" is preparing an issue on Iraq's decision to suspend UNSCOM monitoring. Meanwhile, this issue deals with the developments regarding the policy promoted by Congress to deal with the Iraqi threat, namely to overthrow Saddam.

On Oct 30, Radio Free Iraq began broadcasting. In an Oct 30 press statement, David Newton, head of RFI, explained "that in addition to local news about Iraq, programs will focus on democracy, free speech and human rights. 'Under the dictatorship of President Saddam Hussein, people in Iraq never a chance to hear about these issues,' said Newton, a former US ambassador to Iraq. He says broadcasts to Iraq will eventually expand to six hours a day, airing in the Arabic as well as Kurdish languages." Transcripts and RealAudio of the broadcasts will be available at http://www.rferl.org

Yesterday, Clinton signed into law HR 4655, the "Iraq Liberation Act of 1998." In a presidential statement, issued by the White House, Clinton said, "This Act makes clear that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States should support those elements of the Iraqi opposition that advocate a very different future for Iraq than the bitter reality of internal repression and external aggression that the current regime in Baghdad now offers. . . . On October 21, 1998, I signed into law the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, which made $8 million available for assistance to the Iraqi democratic opposition. . . My Administration, as required by that statue, has also begun to implement a program to compile information regarding allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by Iraq's current leaders as a step towards bringing to justice those directly responsible for such acts." Indeed, Sec 590 of the omnibus appropriations bill stated that "not less than $8,000,000 shall be made available for assistance to the Iraqi democratic opposition. Of this amount, not less than $3,000,000 should be made available as a grant for the Iraq National Congress. The conferees also direct the Administration to provide not less than $3,000,000 as a grant to the Iraqi Campaign to Indict Iraqi War Criminals to be used to compile information to support the indictment of Iraqi officials for war crimes. The conferees direct the Administration to provide not less than $2,000,000 for the conduct of activities by the Iraqi democratic opposition inside Iraq." The president of the INC's Executive Council welcomed Clinton's signature of the Iraq Liberation Act, in an Oct 31 statement that began by condemning Saddam's suspension of UNSCOM monitoring, while hailing the president's signing of the legislation and thanking the US Congress. The statement concluded, "Saddam is the problem and he cannot be part of any solution in Iraq. Therefore, President Clinton's action today is the most appropriate response to Saddam. Let him know that Iraqis will rise up to liberate themselves from his totalitarian dictatorship and that the US is ready to help their democratic forces with arms to do so. Only then will the trail of tragedy in Iraq end. Only then will Iraq be free of weapons of mass destruction."

I. CLINTON SIGNS IRAQ LIBERATION ACT October 31, 1998 The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release October 31, 1998 Statement by thePpresident Today I am signing into law H.R. 4655, the "Iraq Liberation Act of 1998." This Act makes clear that it is the sense of the Congress that the United States should support those elements of the Iraqi opposition that advocate a very different future for Iraq than the bitter reality of internal repression and external aggression that the current regime in Baghdad now offers. Let me be clear on what the U.S. objectives are: The United States wants Iraq to rejoin the family of nations as a freedom-loving and law-abiding member. This is in our interest and that of our allies within the region. The United States favors an Iraq that offers its people freedom at home. I categorically reject arguments that this is unattainable due to Iraq's history or its ethnic or sectarian make-up. Iraqis deserve and desire freedom like everyone else. The United States looks forward to a democratically supported regime that would permit us to enter into a dialogue leading to the reintegration of Iraq into normal international life. My Administration has pursued, and will continue to pursue, these objectives through active application of all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The evidence is overwhelming that such changes will not happen under the current Iraq leadership. In the meantime, while the United States continues to look to the Security Council's efforts to keep the current regime's behavior in check, we look forward to new leadership in Iraq that has the support of the Iraqi people. The United States is providing support to opposition groups from all sectors of the Iraqi community that could lead to a popularly supported government. On October 21, 1998, I signed into law the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, which made $8 million available for assistance to the Iraqi democratic opposition. This assistance is intended to help the democratic opposition unify, work together more effectively, and articulate the aspirations of the Iraqi people for a pluralistic, participatory political system that will include all of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious groups. As required by the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY 1998 (Public Law 105-174), the Department of State submitted a report to the Congress on plans to establish a program to support the democratic opposition. My Administration, as required by that statute, has also begun to implement a program to compile information regarding allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by Iraq's current leaders as a step towards bringing to justice those directly responsible for such acts. The Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 provides additional, discretionary authorities under which my Administration can act to further the objectives I outlined above. There are, of course, other important elements of U.S. policy. These include the maintenance of U.N. Security Council support [for] efforts to eliminate Iraq's prohibited weapons and missile programs and economic sanctions that continue to deny the regime the means to reconstitute those threats to international peace and security. United States support for the Iraqi opposition will be carried out consistent with those policy objectives as well. Similarly, U.S. support must be attuned to what the opposition can effectively make use of as it develops over time. With those observations, I sign H.R. 4655 into law. WILLIAM J. CLINTON THE WHITE HOUSE, October 31, 1998

II. '99 APPROPRIATIONS BILL, IRAQ OPPOSITION Sec. 590. Iraq Opposition The conference agreement includes a provision proposed by the Senate that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the funds made available in this Act and any prior Acts making appropriations for foreign operations, not less than $8,000,000 shall be made available for assistance to the Iraqi democratic opposition. Of this amount, not less than $3,000,000 should be made available as a grant for the Iraqi National Congress. The conferees also direct the Administration to provide not less than $3,000,000 as a grant to the Iraqi Campaign to Indict Iraqi War Criminals to be used to compile information to support the indictment of Iraqi officials for war crimes. The conferees direct the Administration to provide not less than $2,000,000 for the conduct of activities by the Iraqi democratic opposition inside Iraq. The conferees also direct the Secretary of State to submit a detailed report to the Committees on Appropriations thirty days after the enactment of this Act on the implementation of these activities.

III. INC WELCOMES IRAQ LIBERATION ACT INC Welcomes President Clinton's Signature of the Iraq Liberation Act London (October 31, 1998) Following is a statement by Ahmad Chalabi, President of the Executive Council of the Iraqi National Congress. Saddam has shown once again that he is irredeemable. His defiance of the United Nations Security Council and his rejection of all reasonable attempts to resolve the impasse, which he made, demonstrate that he has no concern for the well being of the Iraqi people. He puts his power megalomania above the life and happiness of the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people are the first to suffer from the expulsion of UNSCOM and the cessation of all its activities. They have repeatedly been the victims of Saddam's weapons of mass destruction. They call for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction from Iraq. Saddam has pushed further the day when sanctions on Iraq would be lifted. He has challenged the combined will of the international community and thus he has opened the door for UN action against Iraq under Chapter VII resolutions. He is responsible. Today, October 31, 1998 is a great day for the Iraqi people. Today President Clinton signed into law the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998. The American people have given their support for the end of dictatorship and for democracy in Iraq. The INC welcomes this courageous and historic action by President Clinton and thanks him for it. I will begin immediate consultations with leaders in the INC and others to work for a united response on how best to take advantage of the provisions of the Iraq Liberation Act. We will present a united front to maximize the chances of success. We look to President Clinton to support and work with a united INC to achieve our common goals. The INC has worked long and hard to energize the conscience of world to the decades long suffering of the Iraqi people. We have worked hard to persuade the US Congress for action to help the Iraqi people to liberate themselves. We thank with gratitude the US Congress for their support of democracy in Iraq. They have created a strong bond between the people of the US and the people of Iraq in the pursuit of liberty. Saddam is the problem and he cannot be part of any solution in Iraq. Therefore, President Clinton's action today is the most appropriate response to Saddam. Let him know that Iraqis will rise up to liberate themselves from his totalitarian dictatorship and that the US is ready to help their democratic forces with arms to do so. Only then will the trail of tragedy in Iraq end. Only then will Iraq be free of weapons of mass destruction.


TOPICS: War on Terror
KEYWORDS: 1999; iraq; prequel; prewarintelligence; saddam; x42

1 posted on 11/02/2005 4:28:13 PM PST by NYjarcola
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To: NYjarcola

This was the law unanimously passed by both houses of congress and signed by clinton, which made "regime change" in Iraq official U.S. policy.

The left is pushing the idea that regime change was uniquely Bush's idea, and that only he was plotting it even before he was elected. This bit of history proves them completely wrong.


2 posted on 11/02/2005 4:30:36 PM PST by Mount Athos
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To: NYjarcola

Keep this truth coming!


3 posted on 11/02/2005 4:33:40 PM PST by Right_in_Virginia
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To: NYjarcola; jan in Colorado; Former Dodger; Justanobody; USF; AmericanArchConservative; ...

"Therefore, President Clinton's action today is the most appropriate response to Saddam. Let him know that Iraqis will rise up to liberate themselves from his totalitarian dictatorship and that the US is ready to help their democratic forces with arms to do so. Only then will the trail of tragedy in Iraq end. Only then will Iraq be free of weapons of mass destruction."

October 31, 1998.

NO BLOOD FOR OIL! LOL!



4 posted on 11/02/2005 4:42:30 PM PST by Fred Nerks (MAINSTREAM MEDIA ISN'T MAINSTREAM IT'S THE ENEMEDIA!)
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To: NYjarcola

There wasn't much in the bill that allowed for armed conflict by the US.


5 posted on 11/02/2005 4:53:34 PM PST by stylin19a
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To: NYjarcola

Good post!

I've lost a file and wonder if freepers have it.

John Kerry, in 1998, after the Iraqi Liberation Act was signed, was a guest with Cokie Roberts on ABC. Kerry advocated American boots on the ground to force regime change. This was pre 9/11!

Kerry also said that we should force regime change even though, he admitted, the allies wouldn't be with us. They would have a lot to answer to, he said, especially Germany and France.

Does anyone have that link anymore?


6 posted on 11/02/2005 4:54:03 PM PST by Peach (The Dems enabled Able Danger. 3,000 Americans died.)
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To: NYjarcola

Let's add this to the mix, and I really don't know how the Republicans can sleep at night, letting the Democrats demoralize the troops in Iraq, when they could so easily put a stop to this nonsense:

1. Remind the left that Clinton's Justice Department obtained a federal indictment of Osama bin Laden which stated that AQ had a deal with Iraq. They agreed not to attack Iraq in exchange for weapons development.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/985906/posts

2. 9/11 Commission reaffirms Bush administration view of Iraq/AQ ties.
June 21, 2004. RNC.
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1157478/posts

3. Long List of Clinton Administration Officials who Believed There was an AQ/Iraq connection.
July 12, 2004. NewsMax.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1169397/posts

4. List of CIA and various Reports regarding Iraq's support for terrorists, terrorism and AQ.
September 16, 2004. The Weekly Standard.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/004/631slkle.asp

5. Osama bin Laden was considered an Iraqi Intelligence asset.
October 14, 2004. National Review.
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1246505/posts

Funny how in the 90's the world was concerned about the growing relationship between OBL and Saddam and now the left is revising history.

Saddam reaching out to OBL
January 1, 1999. Newsweek
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1158277/posts

ABC news reports on the Osama/Saddam connections
January 14, 1999. ABC News
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1229608/posts?page=1

Osama and Saddam Work Together
January 27, 1999. Laurie Mylroie interview. She is a former Clinton terrorism czar.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1158482/posts

A Much Shunned Terrorist Takes Refuge In Iraq (Abu Nidal)
New York Times. January 1999.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1433610/posts

Western Nightmare: Saddam and OBL versus the World. Iraq recruited OBL.
February 6, 1999. The Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/alqaida/story/0,12469,798270,00.html

Saddam's Link to OBL
February 6, 1999. The Guardian
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/866105/posts

Saddam offered asylum to bin Laden
February 13, 1999. AP
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1158274/posts

Son of Saddam coordinates with OBL.
Iraqi Special Ops coordinates with Bin Laden's terrorist activities.
August 6, 1999. Yossef Bodansky, National Press Club
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/951911/posts

That and more here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1327993/posts?page=184#184


7 posted on 11/02/2005 4:55:52 PM PST by Peach (The Dems enabled Able Danger. 3,000 Americans died.)
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To: Mount Athos

Excellent. Bush must take this in front of the boob tube, and shove it down the MSM throats.

Otherwise, we will be shouting from the hilltops, but the idiots down below have their heads up their a$$e$ and will mock what they hear from the libs.

Let's Roll!!!!!


8 posted on 11/02/2005 4:58:19 PM PST by gathersnomoss
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To: NYjarcola
Amazing how all this has been pushed down the memory hole by the Anti-American hacks and their friends in the traitorous media.

Thank God for the Internet.
9 posted on 11/02/2005 4:59:00 PM PST by BenLurkin (O beautiful for patriot dream - that sees beyond the years)
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To: Peach

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1231136/posts

September 21, 2004 Watch the video!

NBC'S TIM RUSSERT: "You said this about Howard Dean, and this is, I think, at the core of your candidacy against Howard Dean. '...those who believe we are not safer with [Saddam Hussein's] capture don't have the judgment to be President - or the credibility to be elected President.' As we speak this Sunday morning, Senator, do you believe that Howard Dean does not have the judgment to be president or the credibility to be elected president?"

SEN. KERRY: "I think the judgment of a nominee who doesn't understand that having Saddam Hussein captured will make it extraordinarily difficult to be able to beat an incumbent wartime president who captured Saddam Hussein. And let me tell you why, Tim. Saddam Hussein took us to war once before. In that war, young Americans were killed. He went to war in order to take over the oil fields. It wasn't just an invasion of Kuwait. He was heading for the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. And that would have had a profound effect on the security of the United States. This is a man who has used weapons of mass destruction, unlike other people on this Earth today, not only against other people but against his own people. This is a man who tried to assassinate a former president of the United States, a man who lobbed 36 missiles into Israel in order to destabilize the Middle East, a man who is so capable of miscalculation that he even brought this war on himself. This is a man who, if he was left uncaptured, would have continued to be able to organize the Ba'athists. He would have continued to terrorize the people, just in their minds, because of 30 years of terror in Iraq." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 1/11/04) KerryVision Archive


10 posted on 11/02/2005 5:03:46 PM PST by Fred Nerks (MAINSTREAM MEDIA ISN'T MAINSTREAM IT'S THE ENEMEDIA!)
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To: Peach

Say It Loud, I'm Black & I'm Proud.

Keep saying it brother.


11 posted on 11/02/2005 5:07:11 PM PST by gathersnomoss
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To: Peach

Repeat as neccessary....WAKE UP LOOSER REPUBLICANS!!!

Let's add this to the mix, and I really don't know how the Republicans can sleep at night, letting the Democrats demoralize the troops in Iraq, when they could so easily put a stop to this nonsense:

Let's add this to the mix, and I really don't know how the Republicans can sleep at night, letting the Democrats demoralize the troops in Iraq, when they could so easily put a stop to this nonsense:

WAKE UP OR I WILL NOT VOTE FOR YOU!!!!!!!!


12 posted on 11/02/2005 5:11:46 PM PST by gathersnomoss
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To: Peach

Thank you for the links. Republicans, Freepers have done your homework. Now go on and hand it in for an "A".


13 posted on 11/02/2005 5:12:53 PM PST by gathersnomoss
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