Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/3/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/IRAQI SOLDIERS (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-301738

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is urging Iraqi soldiers to turn against the government of President Saddam Hussein. More from V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida at the Pentagon.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld says there is no way for Iraq's senior leadership to retain any grip on power or to escape justice.

But he says Iraqi officers and soldiers can, in his words, still do "the right thing" and survive.

/// RUMSFELD ACTUALITY ///

They must now decide whether they want to share the fate of Saddam Hussein, or whether they will save themselves, turn on that condemned dictator and help the forces of Iraq's liberation.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Meanwhile, the U-S military's Central Command says it has what it calls reliable information that Saddam supporters may be planning bombing campaigns in several Baghdad Shiite neighborhoods. A statement gives no details, but warns it may be an effort to falsely blame coalition forces for any such destruction for propaganda purposes. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/MAR/TW