Iraq Sends U.S. An Olive Branch

Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has sent a message to President Clinton, promising major political reforms in Iraq and offering to stop threatening Israel, a leading Arabic newspaper reported Thursday.

The London-based Al-Hayat newspaper said the message includes an offer for unconditional talks with the United States and assurances that Iraq will play an effective role in the Middle East peace process.

The message is being carried by Jordan's King Abdullah II, who is scheduled to meet with Mr. Clinton on Tuesday in Washington.

Before leaving for London on Wednesday en route to Washington, Abdullah confirmed to Jordanian reporters that he was carrying a message from Saddam to Mr. Clinton. He refused to give details.

Â"I can't comment on that, but I have a message to pass on,Â" Abdullah was quoted as saying by Jordanian newspapers Thursday.

If the Al-Hayat report is correct, it would mark a major turnaround in Iraq's hard-line policies and show a willingness to mend fences with its main enemies, the United States and Israel.

In return, Iraq wants Washington to drop its threats to put Saddam and his senior aides on trial as war criminals, Al-Hayat said.

Iraq's change of heart could also be linked to its demand that the United States drop its opposition to the lifting of U.N. economic sanctions, imposed in 1990 after Saddam's forces invaded Kuwait.

Al-Hayat said the Iraqi leadership expressed readiness to start political reforms that would include a new constitution, adopting a multiparty system and respect for human rights.

Iraq has been ruled by the Baath Party for the last 31 years, 20 of them under Saddam, whose tight control on power and intolerance for dissent have driven most opponents out of the country.

In his message, Saddam also proposed providing guarantees that it will Â"play an effective role in the (Middle East) peace process and stop its threats against the Jewish state and neighboring countries.Â"

Jordanian newspapers quoted Abdullah as saying the message was handed over by Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz to Jordanian Prime Minister Abdur Ra'uf S. Rawabdeh last week.

Abdullah said he intends only to deliver the message and not speak on behalf of Iraq. Asked if he will defend Iraq before U.S. officials, he said: Â"Absolutely not.Â"

Written by John Halaby
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