Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=02/05/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=(CQ)BUSH / POWELL U-N (S)

NUMBER=2-299252

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// RE-RUNNING TO REFLECT IN INTRO THAT COUNCIL SESSION HAS BEGUN ///

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell is at the United Nations to present what the Bush Administration says is evidence that Iraq is hiding illegal weapons. VOA's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush hopes that people in the United States and around the world will "pay careful note" to what Secretary Powell has to say.

Mr. Fleischer says the president believes Mr. Powell's comments are "important for the world to hear" as he reminds the Security Council of its obligations to take action against Iraq if the country fails to cooperate with inspectors searching for weapons of mass destruction.

Earlier Wednesday, President Bush and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice briefed Congressional leaders on the substance of the declassified intelligence information that Mr. Powell has brought to the U-N.

The secretary's testimony is the latest effort by the Bush Administration to rally domestic and international support behind action against Iraq.

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush is listening to the concerns of other nations, but remains determined to lead his own coalition against Iraq if the country does not give-up suspected stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons. (SIGNED)

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