IRAQ ACCUSES AMERICANS OF SPYING

The Clinton Administration has branded as "hogwash" a claim by the speaker of the Iraqi parliament that thetwo Americans arrested just inside Iraqlast week were U.S. saboteurs. The two, civilian workers William Barloon and David Daliberti, were sentenced Saturday to eight years in prison for entering the country illegally, though they said they were visiting a friend just across the border from Kuwait. At home, the White House fought GOP calls to consider a military rescue mission if Iraq does not release the men. Sunday, presidential candidate Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) said President Clinton should publicly weigh military options, while House Speaker Newt Gingrich joined the chorus today: "We want this nonsense to stop." White House spokesman Mike McCurry, who dismissed Lugar's statements as campaign posturing, said the Administration would pursue a diplomatic solution. But he wouldn't rule out force.