Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/21/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=L-A APPROVES ANTI-WAR MEASURE (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-299915

BYLINE=MIKE O'SULLIVAN

DATELINE=LOS ANGELES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Los Angeles has become the latest U-S city to oppose war in Iraq without the backing of the United Nations. Local officials in some 90 U-S cities have taken a stand on the issue. V-O-A's Mike O'Sullivan reports, anti-war sympathizers responded to arguments that the city should focus first on its own problems.

TEXT: Earlier in the week, the measure fell one vote short of the eight needed for approval. But anti-war protesters forged a compromise that also addresses local issues. The compromise measure passed Friday by a vote of 9-4.

Los Angeles is the second largest U-S city, after New York, and it joins Chicago, Philadelphia and scores of other cities in opposing war in Iraq without U-N backing. New York City is expected to deal with the issue soon.

U-S officials say the president views war as a last resort, to be taken if U-N arms inspections fail to remove Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Those opposing the anti-war measure say Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is a danger that needs to be dealt with. They also say foreign policy is a federal prerogative, and that Los Angeles has other pressing issues.

For some city officials, the second objection was met in a separate resolution that says Los Angeles needs more federal help in the war on terrorism. City councilman Jack Weiss spoke on that issue.

/// WEISS ACT ///

Regardless of what the Bush administration decides to do, regardless of whether or not there is a war in the Persian Gulf, there will be more terrorist attacks, and there needs to be so much more done to protect this city.

/// END ACT ///

The councilman, however, opposed the anti-war resolution, which he called "meaningless."

Other cities have considered and rejected similar measures. Officials in Hoboken, New Jersey, removed an anti-war resolution from their agenda this week, saying it is not an appropriate issue for a municipal council. Jersey City, New Jersey, passed a similar resolution but later revoked it following protests from veterans and others.

The White House, meanwhile, is urging the international community to take a tough stand on Iraq. A senior administration official says a Security Council resolution should be offered next week declaring Iraq in material breach of demands that it turn over its weapons of mass destruction. (Signed)

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