Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 10/08/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ OVERNIGHT (L)

NUMBER=2-294965

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says the United Nations must take action against Iraq to dismantle suspected stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons that could be used in terror attacks. As V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, the president is still calling for international action, as he presses the U-S Congress for authority to use force against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

TEXT: President Bush wants a U-N resolution allowing any member state to use "all means necessary" -- including force -- if Iraq fails to comply with weapons inspections.

In a nationwide address, Monday, laying-out his case for action against Iraq, the president said the longer the world waits, the stronger and bolder Saddam Hussein becomes.

/// BUSH ACTUALITY ///

We could wait and hope that Saddam does not give weapons to terrorists or develop a nuclear weapon to blackmail the world. But I am convinced that is a hope against all evidence. As Americans, we want peace. We work and sacrifice for peace. But there can be no peace if our security depends on the will and whims of a ruthless and aggressive dictator. I am not willing to stake one American life on trusting Saddam Hussein.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

If Iraq is not disarmed, Mr. Bush says the United Nations would betray the purpose of its founding and prove irrelevant to the problems of the day. By not acting, the president says the United States would resign itself to a future of fear.

Iraq says it has no weapons of mass destruction and has agreed to the return of U-N weapons inspectors to prove it. Baghdad initially said those inspections could only be carried-out under existing rules, which exclude access to presidential palaces.

Sunday, Iraqi U-N Ambassador Mohammed Aldouri said his government may be willing to accept a new resolution that would open those palaces to inspectors.

President Bush says U-N credibility is on the line over Iraq, as it decides whether a decade of resolutions can be ignored without consequence.

/// BUSH ACTUALITY ///

Clearly, to actually work, any new inspections, sanctions or enforcement mechanisms will have to be very different. America wants the U-N to be an effective organization that helps keep the peace. And, that is why we are urging the Security Council to adopt a new resolution setting out tough, immediate requirements.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Mr. Bush says Iraq must -- under U-N supervision -- reveal and destroy all existing weapons of mass destruction and allow weapons inspectors access to any site, at any time without delay or exceptions.

He says Iraq must also account for all prisoners from the Gulf War, stop supporting terrorists, stop persecuting civilians and stop selling oil outside the U-N Oil for Food program.

/// BUSH ACTUALITY ///

By taking these steps, and by only taking these steps, the Iraqi regime has an opportunity to avoid conflict. These steps would also change the nature of the Iraqi regime itself. America hopes the regime will make that choice. Unfortunately, at least so far, we have little reason to expect it.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Britain and the United States are together behind a new resolution that includes the threat of force. That is opposed by China, Russia, and France all of whom have veto power as permanent members of the U-N Security Council.

If the international community does not act, President Bush says he will lead his own coalition to disarm Iraq. He wants Congress to give him the authority to use force, if he concludes that diplomacy, alone, is not enough to counter Iraqi threats.

Both houses of Congress are expected to pass that resolution, despite opposition from some Senate Democrats, who feel it gives the president too much power. (SIGNED)

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