Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/7/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / U-N / IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-296203

BYLINE=GRACE CUTLER

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Britain has called for full Security Council support of a new draft resolution calling for Iraq to accept weapons inspections and disarm. As Grace Cutler reports from London, Foreign Minister Jack Straw told British lawmakers support for the measure would send a strong message to the Iraqi leader.

TEXT: In remarks in parliament, Jack Straw said unanimous support by the United Nations is the best chance of countering Saddam Hussein's defiance of international efforts to get U-N inspectors into the country.

Mr. Straw pledged Britain's commitment to preserving the legitimacy of the United Nations and to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but he stressed that military force cannot be ruled out if Iraq does not comply with U-N demands.

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History tells us that if diplomacy is to succeed it must be combined with a credible threat of force.

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Mr. Straw also praised President Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell for the role they have played in seeking to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis. (SIGNED)

NEB/GEC/KL/RAE