Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/24/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/IRAN (S-O)

NUMBER=2-302533

BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-S official handling Iraq's reconstruction is expressing concern about growing Iranian influence in the country. Correspondent Laurie Kassman has more from Baghdad.

TEXT: Retired General Jay Garner told a Baghdad news conference he is concerned about reports of growing Iranian influence among Iraq's Shiite Muslim majority.

/// GARNER ACT ///

I will be candid with you. I do not think that the coalition is going to accept any out-of-this-region influence, or any out-of-this-country influence.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Garner says recent anti-U-S demonstrations do not represent the majority view in Iraq. He acknowledges the need for what he calls a spiritual dimension to Iraq's future, but stresses it must be developed within a framework of democracy.

Mr. Garner expects government ministries to open some time next week, to get an interim administration up and running as soon as possible. (SIGNED)

NEB/LMK/ALW/RAE/TW