Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/12/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL / U-N (S)

NUMBER=2-299584

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell will join in a crucial meeting of the U-N Security Council Friday at which chief U-N weapons inspector Hans Blix will give an updated report on Iraqi compliance with disarmament demands. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell says it is already clear Iraq has failed the disarmament test posed by the Security Council, and aides to the Secretary say one reason for attending Friday's meeting will be to lobby against an expected proposal by France and Germany to expand and extend the mission U-N inspectors in Iraq.

Appearing Wednesday at a Congressional hearing, Mr. Powell said a failure by the council to force Iraq to comply with its November disarmament resolution would mean its political irrelevance. And he said he will confront his French and German colleagues over their motives in seeking further delay:

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The question I'd put to them is why more inspectors? And how much more time? Or are you just delaying for the sake of delaying in order to get Saddam Hussein off the hook, and no disarmament?

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Mr. Powell said the United States still wants a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but is prepared if necessary to lead a military coalition to force Iraq to disarm, either within or outside of the U-N framework. (Signed)

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