Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=08-08-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-292892

TITLE= U-S REACT-SADDAM (L)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE= STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration says its view of Saddam Hussein has not changed in any way as a result of the Iraqi leader's speech late Wednesday in which he warned that would-be attackers of Iraq are doomed to fail. U-S officials say they will continue to press for full compliance by Iraq with Gulf war U-N resolutions. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: State Department spokesman Philip Reeker dismissed the Iraqi leader's comments as, in his words, "bluster from an internationally-isolated dictator" and said the speech showed once again that his regime has no intention of living up to its obligations under U-N Security Council resolutions. He said administration policy -- for "regime change" in Iraq -- remains unchanged and that the United States retains all its options for bringing that about:

///Reeker actuality///

We continue to leave all our options available regarding Iraq. Saddam Hussein's regime remains a serious threat to the Iraqi people, to the people of the region, to the neighbors of Iraq and to international peace and stability.

///end act///

The comments came on the eve of a meeting here Friday between U-S officials of leaders of six major Iraqi opposition groups that the administration hopes will produce more unity among the disparate factions, and lay groundwork for the post-Saddam era in Iraq. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/MEM