Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=8/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH / IRAQ UPDATE (S-O)

NUMBER=2-292785

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

///EDS: UPDATES CR 2-292773 WITH NEW THROUGHOUT///

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush conferred with his national security team Monday -- a meeting that is believed to have centered on Iraq. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the general who is leading U-S troops in Afghanistan was among those in attendance.

TEXT: The White House is trying to downplay the significance of the meeting, calling it a routine session between the president and his national security advisors. But there are strong indications weighty matters related to Iraq were discussed.

Among those taking part in the discussions was General Tommy Franks who is overseeing U-S military operations in Afghanistan. He would most likely play a key role should President Bush opt for an invasion of Iraq.

The president has made clear that many options are under consideration to deal with Iraq. He has said he will not rule anything out, including military action. But key congressmen who have been in touch with the White House believe no decision is imminent.

Meanwhile, Iraq has invited members of the U-S Congress to Baghdad to tour suspected biological, chemical and nuclear weapons sites. Bush administration officials have dismissed the invitation, but acknowledge they cannot stop lawmakers who want to go. (Signed)

NEB/PW/MAR