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

DATE: THURSDAY, March 7, 1991                   TAG: 9103070193
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DHAHRAN, SAUDI ARABIA                                LENGTH: Short

NINE MORE JOURNALISTS MISSING/ U.S. URGED TO KEEP TROOPS IN IRAQ

At least nine more journalists were reported missing Wednesday, and U.S. news executives called for U.S. troops to remain in southern Iraq until the issue of missing reporters is resolved.

A total of 37 journalists have now been reported missing after venturing into the area to cover anti-government uprisings.

Unconfirmed accounts from Iraqi opposition groups and correspondents indicated many of the missing might be in the custody of the Iraqi government. Other sources said some of the reporters were held by opposition forces.

In a letter to President Bush, the officials said, "Our position is that the United States government should make it clear to the Iraqis that the journalists' disappearance is now part of the cease-fire discussions with Iraq and that there should be no withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq until the issue of the journalists is resolved."

The latest to be reported missing included five journalists working for American publications, two Norwegians and two Brazilian newspaper reporters.

by CNB