Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/16/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / BLAIR (L-O)

NUMBER=2-292073

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says Iraq poses what he calls "an enormous threat" to global security. Correspondent Michael Drudge in London reports Mr. Blair discussed the issue in a historic appearance before a parliamentary committee.

TEXT: Mr. Blair told a joint meeting of parliamentary committee leaders that Iraq's program to develop weapons of mass destruction is the next major challenge facing the West.

Mr. Blair says no decision has been reached about a U-S-led military attack to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. But he also said he is not ruling out the option.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

I think they (Iraq) pose an enormous threat to the world. How we deal with that, however, is an open question. And, that is why I constantly say to people there are no decisions that have been made in relation to Iraq at all, but there is no doubt that Iraq poses a threat in respect to weapons of mass destruction. And there is no doubt that this issue is an issue that should be dealt with.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Blair added that last year's terrorist attacks in the United States show the consequences of ignoring a security threat.

Mr. Blair is the first British prime minister to appear before parliament's liaison committee, an umbrella group of leaders from more than 30 select committees.

Mr. Blair says he made the appearance to improve communications with the legislature. He has been accused of ignoring the views of parliament, where his ruling Labor party holds an overwhelming majority. (SIGNED)

NEB/MWD/JWH/RAE