Military

DATE=04/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN-IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-288549

BYLINE=TOM RIVERS

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT

INTRO: Speaking at the House of Commons today (Wednesday), British Prime

Minister Tony Blair tried to overcome opposition to British backing for a proposed

U-S-led military strike against Iraq. Tom Rivers reports from London.

TEXT: While saying that the world would be a safer place without Saddam

Hussein, Prime Minister Tony Blair said in the House of Commons that Britain

would not be rushed into any new offensive against the Iraqi leader. But he

added doing nothing would not be an option.

There has been growing concern here about what course Britain might take

against the Iraqi leader. On the one hand, Mr. Blair stressed that he

was commited to a regime change in Baghdad, but he also emphasized that

Saddam Hussein could, in his words, avoid the wrath of the United States and

Britain by allowing United Nations weapons inspectors to return to his

country.

Mr. Blair also stated that no decision has been made yet and that events

would eventually determine which course of action would be taken.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

The time for military action has not yet arisen. However, there is no doubt

at all that the development of weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein

poses a severe threat not just to the region, but to the wider world. And I

would simply draw the House's attention a few days after the 11th of

September, in my very first statement to the House, I made it clear that the

issue of weapons of mass destruction had to be dealt with and should be.

Now, how we deal with it will be a matter for deliberation and consultation

in the normal way.

/// END ACT ///

That may have calmed some in the House, but not all. Nearly 150

parliamentarians here -- most from Mr. Blair's own ruling Labor party --

have signed a motion expressing their "deep unease" about possible military

action against Baghdad. (Signed)

NEB/TR/SAB