Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/20/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / BLAIR (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-301029(CQ)

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he has ordered British troops to fight for the overthrow of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. His remarks in a broadcast statement were his first public comments on the war. V-O-A London correspondent Michael Drudge has details.

TEXT: Prime Minister Blair delivered a somber, five-minute broadcast address late Thursday to formally tell his countrymen Britain was at war.

///BLAIR ACT///

Tonight, British servicemen and women are engaged from air, land and sea. Their mission: to remove Saddam Hussein from power and disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.

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As British anti-war protestors mobilize for more demonstrations, Mr. Blair acknowledged the war is controversial.

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I know this course of action has produced deep division of opinion within our country. But I know also the British people will now be united in sending our armed forces our thoughts and prayers.

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The prime minister also tried to reassure the Iraqi people that they are not the target of the campaign.

///3RD BLAIR ACT///

I hope the Iraqi people hear this message. We are with you. Our enemy is not you, but your barbarous rulers.

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Mr. Blair said Britain is totally committed to post-war humanitarian relief, and will make sure Iraqi oil revenues go into a United Nations trust fund to benefit Iraq, and no one else. (Signed).

NEB/MWD/MAR