Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search

         Wednesday -.-- At a three day Arab summit in Baghdad, Saddam Hussein threatens
      the use of "weapons of total destruction" if attacked by Israel.  (Time, June 6, p. 32)

July 17
         Tuesday --- In remarks aimed at Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
      broadcast nationally in Iraq, Saddam Hussein publicly threatens to use force if the UAE
      and Kuwait do not curb oil production.  (New York Times, July 18, p. Al.)

July 18
         Wednesday - -- Iraq warns fellow OPEC members that it views violations of the
      cartel's production quotas as virtual acts of war and accuses Kuwait of stealing Iraq's oil
      over the past decade. (New York Times, July 19, p. D3.)

         A letter from Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz to the Arab League is made public
      in which Iraq accuses its wartime ally Kuwait of stealing Iraqi oil, building military
      installations on Iraqi territory and reducing Iraq's oil income by cooperating with an
      "imperialist-Zionist plan" to depress oil prices through over-production. (Washington
      Post, July 19, p. A25.)

         Kuwait convenes emergency session of its national assembly to discuss the Iraqi
      threats. Following the closed door session, top Kuwaiti officials fly to other Arab states
      to inform them about Kuwait's position on Iraq's letter to the Arab League. ~ashington
      Post, July 19, p. A25.)

July 19
         Thursday --- Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, pressing his campaign to b-ecome the
      pre-eminent leader in the Arab world, won approval today from Iraq's compliant
      parliament for a revised constitution that would make him president for life in a
      legislative vote to be held later this year. (Washington Post, July 20, p. A12.)

         Secretary of I)efense Cheney says that the U.S. commitment to come to Kuwait's
      defense if it is attacked remains in force. (Washington Post, July 20, p. Al2.)

         Kuwait asks the Arab leeague to mediate the dispute between itself and Iraq.
      (Washington Post, July 20, p. A12.)

July 21-22
         Saturday - Sunday --- Iraqis move 30,000 elite troops to Kuwait border.      Kuwait
      activates full alert and moves its military to border with Iraq. (Washington Post, July 24,
      p. Al.)


                                            24

Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search