Iraq-Kuwait tensions recall eve of Persian Gulf War

NICOSIA —Tension continues to mount in the Gulf amid an increasingly hostile exchange between Iraq and Kuwait.

President Saddam Hussein has ordered increased military exercises to prepare for war. Saddam said that from now on military training would take place all year rather than just during the summer.

On Sunday, the London-based A-Sharq Al Awsat reported the increasing prospect of a U.S. attack on Baghdad. The newspaper said the atmosphere in the Gulf resembles that on the eve of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

On Saturday, U.S. Vice Admiral Charles Moore held talks with United Arab Emirates Defense Minister Mohammed Maktum on stability in the region.

"Because our enemy is fighting us in all fields and under all titles, we must boost our capabilities to face the enemy in the fields we are capable of,'' Saddam said.

The latest decree affects civil servants. In response, Kuwaiti military sources said they are prepared for an Iraqi attack.

Last week, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil. Iraqi Oil Minister Amer Rashid said the oil comes from two fields near the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border.

"Iraq is following this affair and will take adequate measures that guarantee its rights of sovereignty over its oil riches," Amir said.

So far, U.S. officials said they do not report any extraordinary movement by Iraqi troops. Iraq is currently holding military exercises, which can be used to disguise preparations for war.

In northern Iraq, clashes were reported between rival Kurdish militias. Fifteen Kurdish rebels were reportedly killed in clashes between the Turkish-backed Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kurdish Workers Party.

In Washington, the Clinton administration has informed Congress that it will give the Iraqi opposition the first half of an $8 million grant to those seeking the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein. The official said the opposition Iraqi National Council will spend the money on broadcasting, humanitarian relief and other non-military programs.