Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11/04/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ (L-ONLY) (CQ)

NUMBER=2-309424

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// RE-RUNNING TO CORRECT DEATH TOLL FROM IRAQ HELICOPTER CRASH IN SECOND PARAGRAPH; PENTAGON SAYS 15 WERE KILLED, NOT 16 AS WIDELY REPORTED ///

INTRO: President Bush says the United States' determination to remain in Iraq has not been weakened by killings of American soldiers. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from the White House.

TEXT: Mr. Bush says major combat operations have not resumed in Iraq. But he says the United States remains on the hunt for terrorists, and will not retreat.

The comments came during a brief session with reporters in California, where the president was touring areas hard-hit by recent wildfires. He was asked once again about the deadliest attack on U-S forces to date -- the downing of a transport helicopter on Sunday that killed 15 soldiers.

///BUSH ACT///

I am saddened any time that there's a loss of life. I'm saddened because I know a family hurts. And there's a deep pain in somebody's heart.

///END ACT///

His comments were general, and he did not address specifics of the attack on the helicopter. Instead, he talked about all the soldiers killed in the line of duty, saying it is important to remember that they died for a cause greater than themselves.

///BUSH ACT///

... and a noble cause, which is the security of the United States. A free and secure Iraq is in our national security interests.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush added the nation must never forget the lessons of September 11th, 2001. He said America learned on that day that it is vulnerable to attack.

///BUSH ACT///

There are people that hate us, and there are people who are willing to take thousands of lives in acts of tremendous violence. And the United States must understand that and adjust to new realities. And part of that reality is defeating terrorism and defeating the terrorists.

///END ACT///

In response to a question, the president said he did not know if Saddam Hussein was behind the latest attacks on U-S forces, although he said he is sure the ousted Iraqi leader is, in his words, trying to stir up trouble. Mr. Bush quickly added that one thing is certain: Saddam Hussein is no longer in power. (signed)

NEB/PW/RH/FC