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19 March 2003

White House Report, March 19: U.S. Policy on Iraq

(From Press Secretary's early morning briefing) (530)
BUSH SENDS LEGAL DETERMINATION FOR WAR TO CONGRESS
"Last night, consistent with authorization for the use of military
force against Iraq resolution the routine determinations required by
the resolution were sent to the Hill. These are the determinations
that reliance on the United States diplomatic and other peaceful means
alone will not adequately protect the national security of the United
States continuing against the threat posed by Iraq nor likely lead to
enforcement of United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding
Iraq," White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer told reporters.
"The resolution states that prior to hostilities or within 48 hours
after hostilities, these determinations must be made from a legal
point of view," Fleischer said.
WHITE HOUSE GIVES NO CLUES ABOUT OVAL OFFICE ADDRESS ON WAR
Fleischer told reporters to "assume you will not have a lot of
notification prior to the speech," in order for the United States "to
maintain as much tactical secrecy as possible."
WHITE HOUSE SEES "NO INDICATIONS" THAT SADDAM WILL LEAVE
"Unfortunately, we have seen no indications from Iraqi authorities
that Saddam Hussein will avail himself of this final chance to avoid
military conflict," Fleischer told reporters.
"Americans should be prepared for what we hope will be as precise and
as short a conflict as possible, but there are many unknowns, and it
could be a matter of some duration. We do not know. Americans have
prepared for loss of life, Americans have prepared for the importance
of disarming Saddam Hussein to protect the peace," the press secretary
said.
"Clearly, one of the major concerns we have is that we are up against
an enemy who may use chemical or biological weapons. This is why there
have been so many efforts made to reach out to the Iraqi generals and
leaders to tell them, don't obey orders to use weapons of mass
destruction..."
"Through the Department of Defense there have been many communications
to Iraqi officials through pamphlets and their ability to disseminate
information. And the message is, you should not engage in conflict,
you should not conduct yourselves in a hostile manner, you should not
obey orders."
WHITE HOUSE PLEASED WITH BRITISH PARLIAMENT'S SUPPORT OF BLAIR
"The president is very pleased that the Parliament of the United
Kingdom has demonstrated its strong support for Prime Minister Blair,
Prime Minister Blair's leadership and Prime Minister Blair's efforts
to disarm Saddam Hussein to protect peace," Fleischer told reporters.
TURKISH PARLIAMENT TO VOTE AGAIN TODAY
Whether or not Turkey will allow the United States to use its bases
for war in Iraq "remains a matter for Turkey to make a decision on,"
according to Fleischer.
Asked about the status of the aid package the U.S. had offered Turkey
in return for its permission to use military bases on Turkish soil to
launch a ground war in Iraq, Fleischer said "The previous (aid)
package was contingent upon full cooperation of Turkey. Full
cooperation from Turkey in this regard has not materialized, and so
therefore the previous aid package is not on the table."
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)