Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/5/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL / UN / IRAQ (L)

NUMBER=2-299260

BYLINE=BARBARA SCHOETZAU

DATELINE=NEW YORK

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell has presented the U-N Security Council (Wednesday) with evidence the Bush administration says shows Iraq is circumventing U-N inspectors, while continuing to produce weapons of mass destruction. From New York, Barbara Schoetzau reports Mr. Powell also revealed links between Baghdad and the al Qaida terrorist network during the special meeting.

TEXT: Mr. Powell used a series of satellite photographs and audio tape of intercepted telephone communications to underscore the U-S argument for disarming Iraq, forcibly if necessary. He repeatedly said that Iraq is deceiving and evading U-N weapons inspectors and moving production and research laboratories for chemical and biological weapons in mobile units around Iraq.

The Secretary of State showed aerial photographs of what he said are biological weapons sites. He then showed later photographs of the sites after they had been cleaned up for inspections. He played an audio tape of Iraqi military officers who he says were discussing "modified" vehicles and weapons concealment.

Mr. Powell said U-N weapons inspectors are under constant surveillance by what he called "an army" of Iraqi intelligence people who are part of a deliberate government campaign to undermine the inspectors. Mr. Powell said the United Nations risks becoming irrelevant if it allows Iraq to continue to defy Security Council resolutions.

// FIRST POWELL ACT ///

The issue before us is not how much time we are willing to give the inspectors to be frustrated by Iraqi obstruction, but how much longer are we going to put up with Iraq's non-compliance before we as a Council, we as the United Nations say enough. Enough.

/// END ACT

Mr. Powell told Security Council members Iraq has two of the three components needed to build a nuclear bomb -- scientific experts and a design. Saddam Hussein, Mr. Powell said, is determined to secure the third component, enriched uranium.

For the first time in public, Mr. Powell revealed Washington's evidence that Iraq is linked to the al Qaida terrorist network. He said Baghdad is harboring a "deadly terrorist network headed by Abu Musab Zarqawi, an associate of Osama bin Laden. According to Mr. Powell members of the group have been operating freely in Baghdad for eight months.

In his conclusion, Mr. Powell warned that the United Nations cannot assume Saddam Hussein will not use weapons he is developing.

/// SECOND POWELL ACT ///

The United States will not and cannot run that risk to the American people. Leaving Saddam Hussein in possession of weapons of mass destruction for a few more months or years is not an option, not in a post-September 11 world.

// END ACT ///

Mr. Powell cautioned Security Council members not to shrink from the challenge ahead or fail in their duties. (Signed)

NEB/PS/MAR/FC