Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=8/2/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-292722

TITLE= U-S-IRAQ WEAPONS (L)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE= STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iraq's invitation for a visit by the United Nations chief arms inspector is drawing a skeptical response from Bush administration officials. They see no need for further discussion of U-N resolutions requiring "unfettered" inspection, and destruction, of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Administration officials say if Iraq intends to make a genuine offer to break the deadlock over U-N weapons inspections, then the latest gesture from Baghdad would be positive.

However, they say the invitation to chief U-N weapons inspector Hans Blix is more likely than not a continuation of what they say has been a long-running game of stalling and evasion by Saddam Hussein to circumvent the Gulf war U-N resolutions.

In a letter Thursday to U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri invited Mr. Blix to visit for talks that he suggested would lead to a resumption of weapons inspections after a break of nearly four years.

A spokesman for the White House National Security Council said any discussion with Mr. Blix should a very brief one and acknowledge Iraq's obligation to accept unfettered U-N inspections, anywhere and any place.

At the same time, he said the goal has never been inspections for their own sake, but rather as a means for insuring that Iraq has disarmed and is fully compliant with its responsibilities to the U-N and world community.

He said there are many reasons to believe Iraq has not ended its weapons-of-mass-destruction programs and the burden should be, and is, on the Iraqi government to demonstrate its compliance.

The Iraqi overture to the U-N comes amid growing debate in Washington about the possibility the Bush administration might use military force to achieve its stated goal of "regime change" in Baghdad.

Administration officials Friday reiterated that no plan for such intervention has reached the President's desk. They also said the Iraqi offer of talks with Mr. Blix does not change the administration's position on the need for the removal of Saddam Hussein. (Signed)

NEB/DAG