Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/04/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ / RUSSIA (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-299219

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has held another round of telephone consultations on Iraq with Russian President Vladimir Putin. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports they spoke on the eve of a crucial appearance by Secretary of State Colin Powell before the U-N Security Council.

TEXT: The White House says Presidents Bush and Putin talked about Iraq, and the secretary of state's upcoming presentation to the United Nations on Baghdad's suspected weapons of mass destruction.

National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack says Mr. Bush did not preview the detailed evidence the secretary of state will put before the Security Council. But he adds President Putin understands in general terms what Secretary Powell is going to say.

First word of the telephone call came from Moscow. A Kremlin statement said Mr. Putin emphasized the key role played by international weapons inspectors in Iraq. The statement also said both leaders spoke of the need for continuing close collaboration within the U-N on the Iraq issue. (signed)

NEB/PW/RH/FC