UNION OF STATES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30129, 13 May 1963, Page 15

UNION OF STATES

Upheavals; Delay (N.Z.P. A. -Reuter —Copyright) LONDON, May 12 Political upheavals in Syria and Iraq yesterday threaten to delay the formation of the new federal union with the United Arab Republic, according to Western observers. In Damascus, the Syrian Prime Minister (Mr Salah Bitar), co-founder of the Baath party, resigned. In Bagdad, the radio reported that Brigadier Ahmed Hassan Bakr’s Cabinet, predominantly Baathist, had resigned. Political disputes in both countries appear to be centred on controversy between the Baathists and Nasserites. Both groups are pan-Arab Socialists, but Baathis’ objections to restrictions on political activity were reported one of the biggest factors in the recent federation negotiations. In Syria, the Minister of Culture and National Guidance (Dr. Sami al Jundi), considered pro-Nasser, has been called on to form a new government. The announcement of Mr Bitar’s resignation came after recent demonstrations in Syria by stone-throwiing students chanting pro-Nasser and anti-Baathist slogans. In Iraq, Bagdad Radio said Brigadier Bakr's resignation had been accepted by President Abdul Salam Mohammed , Arif, who then asked him to join a new government. Brigadier Bakr was reported to have said the establishment of the new federation was a new stage in the life of the three-month-old Iraqi revolution necessitating a “new basis for choosing a proper new Government.”

Congo Force Reduction (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter — Copyright) NEW YORK, May 10. The United Nations Secre-tary-General (U Thant) reported today that the United Nations force in the Congo, at one time more than 20,000 strong, would be reduced to about 7400 men by July.