Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/IRAQ (L-only)

NUMBER=2-295953

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is keeping pressure on the United Nations to act on Iraq, as he campaigns across the United States in advance of next Tuesday's elections (for Congress, state and local offices.) V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, Mr. Bush told a rally in the state of South Dakota that if the U-N does not act, the United States will lead a coalition to disarm Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

TEXT: President Bush says the United Nations has a job to do.

/// BUSH ACT ///

/// OPT /// The message to the world is that we want the U-N to succeed. We want the resolutions you have passed to be listened to. /// END OPT /// You have told Saddam Hussein he must disarm. Do your job. And Saddam Hussein, you have said you will disarm. You need to do your job.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush told a group of cheering Republican Party supporters in South Dakota the Iraqi leader poses -- in his words -- a "true threat." And he once again warned that, if the U-N fails to take strong action, the United States will.

/// BUSH ACT TWO ///

If the U-N won't act, and if Saddam Hussein won't disarm, for the sake of peace, for the sake of a free future for our children, we will lead a coalition of nations and disarm Saddam Hussein.

/// END ACT ///

American diplomats have been trying for seven weeks to convince skeptical U-N Security Council members to pass a strong resolution that puts a tough weapons inspection regime in place and warns of consequences if Iraq does not comply.

There are indications negotiations in the Security Council are now focusing on just a few words, with some members raising concerns that certain language could be used by the United States to trigger military action.

/// REST OPT ///

White House Spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters traveling with the president that the Bush administration wants a tough resolution. When asked about the negotiations now underway, he said the United States does not want -- in his words -- to be "handcuffed" by a resolution that prevents Washington from acting on its own or with others to disarm Saddam Hussein.

Mr. McClellan said this is a test for the United Nations. He said there are serious discussions going on in the Security Council, and the world body must prove it can be effective and deal with Iraq's continued defiance. (signed)

NEB/PW/TW