Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/16/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL / IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-300751

BYLINE=JESSICA BERMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell says another U-N resolution on Iraq, though desirable, is not necessary. V-O-A's Jessica Berman reports.

TEXT: France is calling for another meeting at the U-N this week to discuss extending a deadline for Iraq to disarm.

But Secretary Powell -- speaking of the U-S television program "Fox News Sunday -- said time is running out for Iraq to comply with U-N demands that it disarm.

/// POWELL ACTUALITY ///

I think the moment of truth is arriving with respect to diplomacy and what comes next.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Secretary of State Powell said war can still be averted, if Iraqi President Saddam Husseim leaves power.

/// 2nd POWELL ACT ///

If Saddam Hussein, his sons and a number of top leaders were to leave, and a more responsible leadership were to come in ... then a war certainly could be averted.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Powell spoke as President Bush prepared to meet with the leaders of Britain and Spain to review their options. (SIGNED)

NEB/JB/TW