Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=01/28/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ / STATE OF THE UNION UPDATE (S)

NUMBER=2-298935

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says he will give the United Nations evidence that Iraq is hiding weapons of mass destruction. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, the president's annual State of the Union address Tuesday evening also included a warning about North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

TEXT: President Bush says Secretary of State Colin Powell will go to the U-N next week with what he says is evidence that Iraq is helping terrorists and hiding illegal weapons.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We will consult, but let there be no misunderstanding. If Saddam Hussein does not fully disarm, for the safety of our people, and for the peace of the world, we will lead a coalition to disarm him.

/// END ACT ///

Some U-S allies say any military action against Iraq must first be approved by the Security Council. White House officials say that would be "desirable but not mandatory."

The president said North Korea is using its nuclear weapons program to "incite fear and seek concessions." Mr. Bush says America and the world will not be blackmailed but will instead seek to find a peaceful solution to show North Korea that nuclear weapons will only bring isolation and continued hardship. (SIGNED)

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