Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / IRAQ (L-Only)

NUMBER=2-300526

BYLINE=LAUREN COMITEAU

DATELINE=THE HAGUE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan is warning that any military action against Iraq, without the backing of the Security Council would call into question its legitimacy and be outside the U-N charter. Lauren Comiteau reports from The Hague, where Mr. Annan spoke Monday.

TEXT: Pleading for unity in the Security Council, Secretary-General Annan said it faces a grave decision in the face of a possible U-S-led war in Iraq.

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The members of the Security Council now face a grim choice. If they fail to agree on a common position, and action is taken without the authority of the Security Council, the legitimacy and support for any such action will be seriously impaired

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The United States, Britain and Spain are hoping for a Security Council vote this week on their new resolution, setting a deadline for Iraq to fully comply with previous resolutions. In the face of strong opposition from France, China, and Russia -- which could veto any resolution -- the United States has said it is willing to proceed militarily, even without Security Council authorization.

Secretary-General Annan said that would, in his words, not be in conformity with the U-N charter, and would make the world a more dangerous place. The United States says it does not need U-N authorization to launch a military campaign.

In spite of the tough diplomatic rhetoric now coming from all sides, Secretary-General Annan indicated there is still hope for a consensus.

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If on the other hand, if they can come together, even at this late hour, and address this threat in a united matter, and ensure compliance with their previous resolutions, then the council's authority will be enhanced, and the world will be a safer place.

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Mr. Annan is in the Netherlands for talks on the reunification of Cyprus and Tuesday's inauguration of the world's first permanent International Criminal Court. (Signed)

NEB/LC/AWP/TW/RH