Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=12/28/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-297881

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says Iraq will face military action if it does not give up weapons of mass destruction and comply with U-N inspections. V-O-A's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: In his weekly radio address, President Bush reviewed the year's progress in the war against terrorism including the capture of top al-Qaida leaders.

In the new year, Mr. Bush says he will confront the danger of what he calls "catastrophic violence" posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.

/// BUSH ACT ///

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously affirmed that Saddam Hussein is a danger to his neighbors and to the peace of the world. The burden now is on Iraq's dictator to disclose and destroy his arsenal of weapons.

/// END ACT ///

If the Iraqi leader refuses, President Bush says the United States will lead a coalition to disarm Iraq and 'free the Iraqi people.'

The U-S Defense Department has ordered two more aircraft carriers to get ready to head to the Persian Gulf in preparation for a possible war with Iraq.

Iraq is threatening tough resistance against any attacking army with the country's trade minister saying Iraqis will fight "street to street in every city." (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/RH