Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/19/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ / PARLIAMENT (S)

NUMBER=2-300891

BYLINE=GREG LAMOTTE

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Iraqi parliament is meeting in emergency session, following President Bush's ultimatum to Saddam Hussein and his sons that they leave Iraq or face military action. As we hear from V-O-A Middle East Correspondent Greg LaMotte, it appears the Iraqi parliament -- like its leader -- will reject the ultimatum.

TEXT: Several Iraqi legislators shouted they would sacrifice their blood and their souls for Saddam Hussein. Another said Iraq rejects and denounces President Bush's ultimatum for Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq or face war. He says Iraqis are ready to stand together behind their leader and defend their land.

During the emergency session of the Iraqi parliament (Wednesday), Speaker Saadoun Hammadi told the deputies Iraq is not a country that will accept what the U-S administration has told it.

Despite facing almost-certain military defeat and possible massive destruction and death, Mr. Hammadi called on the Iraqi parliament to -- in his words -- "stand as one rank, as one voice, as one rifle" against what he called the criminal, oppressive aggression of the United States and its allies.

The Iraqi parliament has traditionally been used by Saddam Hussein to rubber stamp his policies. Tuesday, the Iraqi president and his sons rejected the call for them to leave Iraq, making war in the country an apparent certainty.

In Baghdad, civilians appear to be readying themselves for war. The streets are reported to be very quiet with little pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Many shops are closed.

(Signed)

NEB/GL/WD