Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/16/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=US/IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-300758

BYLINE=JESSICA BERMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

/// EDS: STANDS AS UPDATE TO POWELL/IRAQ (S), which moved as 2-300751 ///

INTRO: Top Bush administration officials say time is running out for Iraq to comply with demands to disarm peacefully. V-O-A's Jessica Berman reports, the warnings come as President Bush meets with the leaders of Britain and Spain to review their options regarding Iraq, as it looks increasingly unlikely that a new U-N resolution would pass.

TEXT: In an interview on the U-S television program N-B-C's "Meet the Press," Vice President Dick Cheney said the United States and its allies are close to the end of seeking a diplomatic solution.

/// CHENEY ACTUALITY ///

Clearly, the president's going to have to make a very, very difficult and important decision here within the next few days.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

President Bush has said that, while he would welcome U-N support for possible military action, he believes there is sufficient legal authority to disarm Iraq by force, if it fails to comply with U-N disarmament demands.

Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell said there is one way war with Iraq could be averted.

/// POWELL ACTUALITY ///

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 ACTUALITY ///

But Mr. Powell said he doubted Saddam Hussein would be willing to leave Iraq. (SIGNED)

NEB/JB/TW