Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/24/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-301200

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is predicting victory over American-led forces who have invaded the country to topple his government and disarm the military. As V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, U-S intelligence analysts are studying the Iraqi leader's speech.

TEXT: Monday's broadcast was Saddam Hussein's first television appearance since shortly after the fighting began last week. He praised the bravery of Iraqi troops fighting in the south, where some forces have been resisting the coalition advance.

A senior Bush Administration official says analysts at the Central Intelligence Agency are studying the tape to determine when it was recorded and whether the man speaking was indeed Saddam Hussein.

The Iraqi leader is reported to have used body doubles, in the past, and there was speculation following his first television appearance that it might have been a Saddam impersonator. C-I-A analysts later concluded it was the Iraqi leader, but said the appearance could have been taped before the start of fighting.

Early Monday, President Bush met again with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to review the war's progress. He will have lunch with the Joint Chiefs of Staff before a meeting with Congressional leaders to discuss the costs of the war. This week, the White House will ask Congress for more money to fund the fight and the initial stages of reconstruction of Iraq and humanitarian assistance. (SIGNED)

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