Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/IRAQ (S-Only)

NUMBER=2-296302

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// ALTERNATE TO EARLIER SHORT CR BUSH IRAQ 2-296295 ///

INTRO: Top Bush administration officials say the new U-N resolution sends a strong message to Iraq. They say they will watch for signs of Iraqi compliance, and warn the United States will act if Baghdad refuses to disarm. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson has details.

TEXT: Administration officials leave no doubt they are willing to let the process work through the Security Council. But White House National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice warns, if Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein refuses to comply, and the U-N does not act accordingly, America will.

/// RICE ACT ///

I think Saddam Hussein understands, and should understand, the resolve of the United States, the resolve of the allies, and now the resolve of the United Nations to make certain that he is disarmed.

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During an appearance on A-B-C television's "This Week" program, Ms. Rice was asked about the Iraqi leader's call for an emergency session of his parliament to consider the U-N resolution.

/// RICE ACT ///

It's ludicrous. Saddam Hussein is an absolute dictator and tyrant, and the idea that somehow he expects the Iraqi parliament to debate this -- they have never debated anything else. I'm surprised he is even bothering to go through this ploy.

/// END ACT ///

She said she is very skeptical that Iraq will comply. Secretary of State Colin Powell told the C-B-S program "Face the Nation" that he just wants to wait and see what Saddam Hussein does. He said Iraq must realize the call to disarm is not -- in his words -- "an idle threat." (signed)

NEB/PW/TW