Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/9/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/SYRIA (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-301997

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Pentagon says it has evidence that Syria might be helping supporters of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein flee to safety. More from V-O-A Defense Correspondent Alex Belida.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld says he isn't throwing down the gauntlet to warn Syria it could be next after Iraq.

But he tells reporters at the Pentagon, authorities in Damascus are not being helpful to the coalition effort. He says they are ignoring U-S warnings not to provide Iraq with military equipment and assisting in the escapes of regime officials.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

Senior regime people are moving out of Iraq into Syria, and Syria is continuing to send things into Iraq. We find it notably unhelpful.

///END ACTUALITY///

Mr. Rumsfeld does not identify which Iraqi leaders may have fled into Syria. But he says some are staying in Syria while others are moving to other countries.

In addition, Mr. Rumsfeld says some people have been moving from Syria into Iraq --- an apparent reference to some of the Arab fighters who have entered the country to fight coalition forces.(Signed)

NEB/BEL/PT