Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=04/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/KIRKUK (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-302044

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The White House says U-S troops will control the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, following Turkish concerns that ethnic Kurds might use the city to push for wider Kurdish independence. V-O-A's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the Bush administration has been in contact with Turkish officials to clear-up questions over who will take charge of the oil-rich city.

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

We understand their concerns and Kirkuk, which is the city that is involved here, will be under American control.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Fleischer says U-S troops will take charge of the city, which fell (Thursday) to a Kurdish-led, U-S backed offensive. He says the Bush administration has also reached agreement with Turkey to base a small number of Turkish observers there.

Turkey fears Kurdish control would encourage broader separatist movements among ethnic Kurds across the border in southern Turkey. Ankara is again warning that any Kurdish attempt to permanently control Kirkuk would be unacceptable.

Since the start of this war, the Bush administration has tried to sooth Turkish concerns about its alliance with Kurds in northern Iraq, who have been largely autonomous since the 1991 Gulf War and the start of a no-fly zone enforced by U-S air power. (SIGNED)

NEB/SKS/TW/rae