Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/32/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ WAR (S-O)

NUMBER=2-301176

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// THIS REPORT WILL BE WRAPPED ALONG WITH OTHER ELEMENTS INTO ONE LONG BUSH IRAQ CR. /////

INTRO: President Bush says he is pleased with the progress being made in the war with Iraq. But as V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, he is once again reminding the American people that victory will not be swift or easy.

TEXT: President Bush says progress is being made, despite pockets of resistance.

/// BUSH ACT ///

I know that Saddam Hussein is losing control of his country.

/// END ACT ///

But the president is cautioning the American people not to expect victory overnight. He says military goals are being met slowly but surely.

/// BUSH ACT ///

It is going to take a while to meet our objective. But we are on course. We are determined. And we are making good progress.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush spoke to reporters as he returned to the White House from his Camp David presidential retreat. It was his first question and answer session with the news media since his announcement last week that the war had begun. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/RAE