Powell: Americans Not Deceived on Iraq
VOA News
10 Jul 2003, 21:22 UTC
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has denied President Bush misled the American people about Iraq's weapons programs, saying the issue has been "overblown."
Mr. Powell said Mr. Bush believed in the accuracy of intelligence claiming Saddam Hussein had tried to buy uranium from Africa when he included that information in his January State of the Union address.
Mr. Powell told reporters in Africa Thursday, where he is traveling with Mr. Bush, the allegations were dropped when they were found to be based on forged documents.
The White House acknowledged Monday the claims should not have been included in the address.
Meanwhile, President Bush's closest ally in the Iraq war, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Thursday he is "absolutely confident" that proof of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction will be found.
On Wednesday, the British Broadcasting Corporation quoted what it called "very senior sources" in the Blair government as saying they doubt the weapons will ever be located. The BBC says the officials believe the weapons existed -- but that Saddam Hussein hid or destroyed them before the U.S.-led invasion in March.
Concerns over intelligence used to justify the war have prompted some members of the U.S. Congress, including many Democrats, to call for a full review.
Democratic lawmakers are also calling on President Bush to quickly internationalize peacekeeping efforts in Iraq, warning the United States could become mired in a guerilla conflict.
Democratic presidential contender John Kerry says the president needs to "tell the truth" about Iraq, including the fact that the war is continuing and so are the casualties.
Also Thursday, General Tommy Franks said U.S. forces must remain in Iraq. He said the world security situation changed dramatically after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks. General Franks is the former commander of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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