Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/14/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-299651

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S lawmakers have reacted to the findings by chief U-N weapons inspector Hans Blix, who expressed his concern to the Security Council that Iraq still has not accounted for many weapons of mass destruction. V-O-A Correspondent Deborah Tate reports.

TEXT: Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican, says Mr. Blix's report makes clear that time is running out for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to account for his weapons, or face the consequences.

/// FRIST ACTUALITY ///

It is almost inevitable, unless he turns around and disarms, that there will be military action.

/// END ACT ///

The Senate's top Democrat, Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, also favors use of force to disarm Iraq, but says more time should be given to inspectors before such action:

/// DASCHLE ACTUALITY ///

It seems to me that it is critical that we continue to allow them to do their job.

/// END ACT ///

Senators Daschle and Frist spoke to reporters in separate news conferences on Capitol Hill. (signed)

NEB/DAT/RH/FC