Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/21/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (s)

NUMBER=2-2966677

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=PRAGUE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is keeping up pressure on Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to disarm, warning again that the United States and its allies are willing to use force, if necessary, to do the job. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports he spoke at the start of a meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Prague.

TEXT: Britain has been his staunchest ally on Iraq. And as he sat down with Prime Minister Blair, President Bush was asked if he expects Britain to play a role should he decide to take military action against Iraq. He refused to answer directly.

///BUSH ACT///

Well, my expectation is we can do this peacefully, if Saddam Hussein disarms. That's my expectation.

///END ACT///

The president has not asked NATO for full alliance backing for the possible use of force in large part because of strong objections from Germany. But his administration has asked a number of countries to look into ways they could individually support military action.

Prime Minister Blair told reporters Britain will do what it can. Echoing statements made by Mr. Bush, he said if Saddam Hussein does not comply with the U-N, he will be disarmed by force. (signed)

NEB/PT