Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=9/22/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / U-N (L)

NUMBER=2-307791

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is preparing for a crucial speech to the United Nations. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports he goes before the General Assembly Tuesday for the first time since the U-S-led invasion of Iraq.

TEXT: The president will defend his decision to wage war, and will urge other countries to help secure the peace.

White House National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice says he will issue a call to action.

///RICE ACT///

The president will stress the international community's opportunity and responsibility to help the people of Iraq and Afghanistan rebuild their countries. He will also discuss the many ways the world will benefit from an Iraq and Afghanistan that are free, prosperous, modern and democratic.

///END ACT///

The speech comes at a time when the White House is trying to win support for a new U-N resolution on Iraq that will establish a multinational force under U-S control.

Some countries - most notably France - have said the resolution should also give the U-N an expanded role in Iraq's political transition, and should set a quick deadline for self-governance.

Ms. Rice says the goal should be to do the job right. She says the focus should be on the steps needed to turn Iraq into a working democracy, and not on artificial deadlines.

///RICE ACT///

It makes perfectly good sense to do this as soon as possible, but to do it in a way that is responsible.

///END ACT///

In an interview broadcast on the eve of the speech, President Bush said he thinks a resolution can pass without including an expanded political role for the United Nations. He told the Fox television network he is not sure it is necessary. But he then quickly added the world body could help draft a new Iraqi constitution or oversee elections. Both are seen as crucial steps in Iraq's political transformation.

When asked about the prospects for compromise, Ms. Rice said the goal is to take into account both the concerns of others, and the sacrifices already made by the U-S-led coalition to free Iraq.

///RICE ACT///

It is going to be a resolution that preserves the ability of the coalition to do what needs to be done on behalf of the Iraqi people, on behalf of the region, that recognizes the tremendous contribution the coalition has given in terms of life and treasure.

///END ACT///

Last year, the president went before the General Assembly and tried to rally support for military action against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. In the end, the United States invaded without a United Nations' mandate and with lingering resentment among some member states.

His challenge this time is to bring the world community together and convince others to put past differences over Iraq aside. Bush administration officials acknowledge it will not be easy. But as foreign leaders prepared to congregate at U-N headquarters there was a glimmer of hope from the president of France. Jacques Chirac, who led U-N opposition to the invasion of Iraq, told the New York Times that his country probably will not veto a new Security Council resolution that fails to meet its demands for a quick transition to self-governance in Iraq and a key role for the U-N. He said France, most likely, would abstain and let the measure pass. (signed)

NEB/PW/RH