
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 28, 1991                   TAG: 9102280256
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

EMBASSY TO OPEN QUICKLY

The Bush administration, acting quickly after the rout of Iraqi forces, may reopen its embassy in Kuwait as early as today, the State Department said.

The embassy was shut down Dec. 13 after Iraqi authorities permitted the last of the Americans detained in Kuwait to leave. Ambassador Nathaniel Howell and his staff had spent the previous 110 days without electricity or hot water at night.

State Department spokeswoman Margaret Tutwiler said Wednesday the new U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, Edward Gnehm, and a staff of several dozen aides were being sent to reclaim the embassy.

Gnehm and his U.S. government colleagues have been stationed in Saudi Arabia, where the Kuwaiti government in exile has had its headquarters.

"We do not have for you a thorough readout or overview of exactly what shape the embassy is in," Tutwiler said.

Reporters in Kuwait City said the American flag was flying at the U.S. Embassy, where Marines were back on station Wednesday, relieving Army special forces troops who had secured the coastal compound late Tuesday. Kuwaitis, many waving American flags, swarmed to the embassy to offer thanks to the Marines.

Life for Howell and his staff was difficult during their final months in Kuwait. They drank boiled water from the embassy swimming pool and their diet was limited largely to tuna fish.

Their main function during those final months was to help the Americans who were stranded in Kuwait.

Tutwiler said the U.S. goal once the embassy reopens is to provide whatever technical support and advice the Kuwaiti government requests. After seven months of Iraqi occupation and weeks of allied bombing, Kuwait City is without electricity, water or adequate food supplies.

A task force of approximately 50 U.S. specialists belonging to the 352nd Civil Affairs Command have been consulting with the Kuwaitis and offering technical advice, she said.

The U.S. Corps of Engineers has signed a contract with the government of Kuwait to perform emergency services and repairs in Kuwait for transportation facilities and public infrastructure.

The engineer corps has solicited bids for projects from international firms, Tutwiler said, adding that most of the contracts signed thus far are with American companies.

by CNB