Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (L)

NUMBER=2-296299

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Top Bush administration officials say they want the new U-N resolution on Iraq to work, but stress the United States is not halting contingency planning for possible military action. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports they say the bottom line remains the same: Iraq must cooperate with U-N weapons inspectors and disarm.

TEXT: Secretary of State Colin Powell says if Iraq does not comply with the U-N, the Security Council will immediately meet to take up the matter. He says the United States will take part, but makes clear Washington remains willing to act against Iraq, if necessary, with or without the U-N.

/// OPT POWELL ACT ///

/// OPT /// The United States will be participating in that debate in the Security Council. But at no time have we given up our authority if we find that debate is going nowhere and the U-N chooses not to act, /// END OPT /// we have not given up our authority to act with like-minded nations who might wish to join us in such an action.

/// END ACT ///

During an appearance on the C-B-S television program "Face the Nation," Mr. Powell said Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein should not underestimate the resolve of the United States, or the strong message sent out unanimously by the Security Council.

/// POWELL ACT ///

Nobody came to his assistance this time. It was not like the last resolution four-years ago when Russia, China, and France abstained. Everybody was there this time, including the only Arab member of the Security Council, Syria.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Powell went on to say Saddam Hussein knows that the United States is planning for possible military action, although he stopped short of confirming press reports President Bush has approved a detailed war plan.

/// POWELL ACT ///

Sure, the Pentagon is hard at work. My military colleagues and their civilian leaders are working on contingency plans and the one thing I am absolutely sure of is that the plan they will come up with will do the job.

/// END ACT ///

The Secretary of State would not predict if Iraq will comply with the new U-N disarmament resolution. White House National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, however, told the Fox television network that she is very skeptical.

/// RICE ACT ///

This is a regime with a very long history now of deception and deceit. And we do not need to waste the world's time waiting around to let them prove over and over again they do not intend to cooperate.

/// END ACT //

During an appearance on the "Fox News Sunday" program, she said this time Iraq must realize that if it does not comply with the U-N, it will face tough consequences.

/// RICE ACT ///

The next material breech by Saddam Hussein has got to have serious consequences. I think it is pretty clear what that may mean.

/// END ACT ///

Under the terms of the new Security Council resolution, Iraq has until next Friday, November 15th, to declare its willingness to cooperate. Ms. Rice emphasized there will be no negotiations. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE