Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/15/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/U-S BRIEFING/NASIRIYAH (S-O)

NUMBER=2-302228

BYLINE=LARRY JAMES

DATELINE=AS SALIYAH, QATAR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials have brought together former Iraqi opposition and resistance groups to discuss plans for the country's future. While the meeting was under way anti-American demonstrations were held in a number of cities in Iraq. V-O-A's Larry James reports from Central Command headquarters in Doha that military leaders are characterizing the protests as a positive development in the post-Saddam Iraq.

TEXT: The United States says the talks in Nasiriyah are just a first step, but demonstrators took to the streets in protest of what some see as an attempt at an American-imposed government.

U-S Central Command spokesman Brigadier General Vincent Brooks said the protests are a good sign.

/// BROOKS ACT ///

We certainly would want there to be no civil unrest, any violence, but the right for them to express their opinion is something we see as a good news story and a trend, perhaps, for the future.

/// END ACT ///

The meeting in the southern Iraqi town of Nasiriyah brought together anti-Saddam Hussein groups both from inside and outside Iraq. It was arranged by the U-S Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, the military authority that is to rule post-war Iraq until an interim civilian authority is ready to take power. (SIGNED)

NEB/LDJ/ALW/RAE