Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/13/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ OVERNIGHTER (S)

NUMBER=2-300677

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT: assignments.neb-wire

INTRO: The White House concedes there will be no vote on a new U-N resolution on Iraq until next week, and administration officials indicate there may be no vote at all. Meanwhile, as V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, President Bush is engaging in long hours of telephone diplomacy on Iraq.

TEXT: President Bush originally said he wanted a vote this week. Now, the White House is putting it off for a few more days - - a sign, perhaps, that it is having trouble rounding up the necessary votes.

Technically, nine of the 15 council members must approve a resolution in order for it to pass. But it could then be vetoed and killed by a "no" vote cast by any of the five permanent members.

Three of the five France, Russia and China want more time for weapons inspections and oppose any resolution that could pave the way for war. The French have issued a clear veto threat, while the Russians have said they are prepared to vote "no" if the current resolution is not changed.

President Bush has been in almost constant contact with the other sponsors of the measure the prime ministers of Spain and Britain. On Thursday, he spoke again to Britain's Tony Blair, along with the leaders of South Korea, Bulgaria, Poland, Norway and El Salvador. (signed)

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