U.S. blocks 111 contracts with Iraq worth $350 million

LONDON Ñ The United States has stopped Iraq from importing dual-use items.

U.S. pressure led to the suspension by the United Nations of 111 contracts signed by the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The contracts included the supply of communications and microwave equipment.

Iraqi officials confirmed the suspension. They said Britain and the United States have joined to block nearly $350 million worth of contracts. An Iraqi official, Hassen Falieh Maeini, said the contracts included

projects to install new telephone exchanges, mobile systems, and microwave networks. Iraq has complained that the UN is blocking efforts to refurbish Iraq's telecommunications system.

But U.S. officials said the components have been used to boost Iraq's air defense system. Baghdad has protested to the UN Security Council what it termed were continued attacks by U.S. and British warplanes in their attempt to enforce no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq.