Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/18/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / SABRI (L-O)

NUMBER=2-300877

BYLINE=TETIANA ANDERSON

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iraq's foreign minister has rejected President Bush's ultimatum that the Iraqi leadership leave the country, saying it is Mr. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair who should leave office. Iraq's top diplomat, Naji Sabri, spoke at a news conference late Tuesday. Tetiana Anderson reports from Cairo.

TEXT: Mr. Sabri said Iraq will not accept ultimatums from anyone and that it is President Bush who is creating a dangerous situation for everyone.

/// SABRI ACT ///

Mr. Bush is endangering the whole world. It is Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair who should go away and leave office.

//// END ACT ///

Mr. Sabri's speech came shortly after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein rejected the ultimatum from President Bush, telling him to leave office to avert war.

The foreign minister claimed the goal of the United States "is to take over the oil of Iraq" and of other countries in the region so it could control world oil supplies and "serve Israel."

Mr. Sabri also attacked the United Nations. He said by allowing inspectors to leave Iraq, the United Nations has paved the way for a U-S led war against his country.

But the foreign minister said Saddam Hussein has been preparing for a long time for a U-S-led invasion, and he said Iraq's leader is "sure of victory." (Signed)

NEB/TA/KL/MAR/FC