Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 5/29/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/BLAIR (S)

NUMBER=2-303752

BYLINE=GREG LAMOTTE

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

// Re-issuing, clarifying last two graphs //

INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair has arrived in Iraq, becoming the first western leader to visit the country since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Shortly before Mr. Blair arrived, the U-S military announced that another U-S soldier was killed in an ambush on a main supply route. VOA's Greg LaMotte has the details from Baghdad.

TEXT: The Prime Minister arrived in the British-controlled southern city of Basra Thursday morning to meet with British soldiers and thank them for their efforts.

Mr. Blair is also meeting with military and civilian officials including the U-S administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, and British envoy John Sawers, to discuss reconstruction efforts.

Later in the day he will travel to the port city of Umm Qasr, where he will inspect a British mine sweeping vessel.

Earlier Thursday, another U-S soldier was killed in an ambush. The U-S Central Command says he was traveling on a main supply route when the attack occurred.

This week, five U-S soldiers have been killed by armed attackers. (Signed)

NEB/GL/AWP/WD