Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=2/26/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BLAIR/IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-300062

BYLINE=DALE GAVLAK

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he is confident a new U-N Security Council Resolution endorsing military action against Iraq will be secured. V-O-A's Dale Gavlak has the story from London, where the parliament is debating a resolution in support of the government's position on Iraq.

TEXT: Addressing the House of Commons, Mr. Blair said the way to achieve a second U-N resolution is to hold firm to Resolution 1441, unanimously adopted in November. Britain has submitted a new resolution to the Security Council, declaring that Iraq is in 'material breech' of 1441.

Mr. Blair has said Britain might participate in an attack on Iraq even without another resolution, if there were what he called an 'unreasonable veto.'

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It would certainly be an unreasonable veto if Iraq is in material breech and we not pass a resolution, because 14-41 made it absolutely clear that Iraq had a final opportunity to comply. If it is not complying it is in breech.

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Mr. Blair said he is confident that there will be support for the British draft resolution. He defended Britain's strategy of submitting a draft now, and working to bring members around to support it over the next couple of weeks. (SIGNED)

NEB/DG/AWP/RAE