Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 4/7/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= PENTAGON / RUMSFELD (S)

NUMBER=2-301896

BYLINE= ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE= PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says it is too soon to declare victory in Iraq, but he does say the regime's leaders are running out of options. More from V-O-A Pentagon Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld says he doesn't know if Saddam Hussein is dead, injured or simply unwilling to show himself. But he tells reporters at the Pentagon Saddam no long controls much of Iraq.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

His forces continue to surrender and capitulate. His regime is running out of real soldiers. And soon, all that will be left will be the war criminals.

///END ACTUALITY///

But a senior Pentagon official tells V-O-A some of those close to the Iraqi leader still could redeem themselves and stage a coup, toppling Saddam and ending the war.

Mr. Rumsfeld says a declaration of victory will not necessarily hinge on Saddam's fate. But he says because of Iraq's size, such a declaration is likely "later rather than sooner."

(Signed)

NEB/BEL/MAR