Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/09/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-299417

BYLINE=JESSICA BERMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

INTRO: Secretary of State of Colin Powell says a proposal by Germany, France, and Belgium to triple the number of weapons inspectors in Iraq deals with "the wrong issues" and would serve only as a "diversion." As V-O-A's Jessica Berman reports Mr. Powell was interviewed on U-S television news shows.

TEXT: Mr. Powell said he has not seen the entire proposal, but he believes it is not a solution to the issue of Iraq's weapons programs. The proposal calls for more inspectors in Iraq and making the entire country a no-fly zone.

In an interview on the television program "Fox News Sunday", Secretary Powell said the proposal by France and Germany, that is supported by Belgium, misses the point.

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What France has to do, and what I think Germany has to do, and what I think all (15) members of the security council have to do, is read (resolution) 1442 again. This lack of cooperation by Iraq and a false declaration - and all the other actions not taken since the resolution passed - are setting the stage for the U-N to go into session and find whether serious consequences are appropriate at this time.

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Mr. Powell said more inspectors are not likely to be more successful in finding weapons of mass destruction the the smaller team now in Iraq.

NEB/JB/RAE