Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 01/27/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-298855

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

INTRO: The Bush Administration says it wants to see evidence from U-N inspectors that Iraq has given a full accounting of all of its weapons. With inspectors briefing the Security Council Monday, V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, the White House says anything short of a full accounting means that Iraq is violating U-N resolutions.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush will be looking to the inspector's report to answer one question: Is Iraq making a full, final, and complete accounting of all of its weapons?

If the answer is only partially "yes," Mr. Fleischer says that will mean the answer is "no," that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is violating the agreement.

Inspectors want more time to complete their work. Mr. Fleischer says the president has no timeline for the U-N but believes "time is running out" for Iraq.

Inspectors are searching for chemical and biological weapons they found in Iraq before inspections were suspended in 1998. So far they have uncovered a dozen empty warheads. At this rate, Mr. Fleischer says it will take them 300 years to find all of Iraq's weapons.

Some U-S allies say any use of force against Iraq should first be approved by the Security Council. President Bush says he will "consult" with the U-N but will lead his own coalition against Iraq if he concludes that the U-N is not doing enough.

(SIGNED)

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