Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11-6-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S-IRAQ-POWELL (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-296175

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: UPDATES CR 2-296160 WITH NEW INFO, ACTUALITY///

INTRO: The United States has given the U-N Security Council what Bush administration officials say is a "final" revised draft resolution sending U-N weapons inspectors back to Iraq. Secretary of State Colin Powell has cancelled a trip to South Korea to try to shepherd the resolution through the council. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: The draft was amended by U-S officials in the face of Russian and French opposition to any resolution that would seem to give a "green light" for automatic military action against Baghdad. However State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says the document retains adequate clarity about what Saddam Hussein can expect if he again refuses to give up weapons of mass destruction:

///BOUCHER ACTUALITY///

We believe this to be a very strong resolution to Iraq, that it has a final opportunity to disarm. And if it doesn't take this opportunity, there will be serious consequences, either through decision of the Security Council or through decision of council members.

///END ACT///

Secretary Powell, who has led the U-S diplomatic drive for an Iraq resolution, cancelled an Asian trip that was to have begun Saturday to focus on the negotiations. He was to have attended a conference of the Community of Democracies in Seoul and had considered stops in Japan and China. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/MAR