Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=4/15/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=PENTAGON/MUSEUM (S ONLY)

NUMBER=2-302251

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the United States is concerned about looting at Iraqi museums. But as V-O-A Correspondent Alex Belida reports from the Pentagon, Mr. Rumsfeld dismisses charges the U-S war plan failed to provide adequate protection for the country's antiquities.

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld calls looting "an unfortunate thing" and tells reporters at the Pentagon no one likes it or allows it --- though he says it is difficult to stop in a war zone.

However Mr. Rumsfeld says rewards will be offered for the return of priceless artifacts. He also says he hopes some are only missing because they were hidden for safekeeping ahead of the war.

///RUMSFELD ACTUALITY///

I would suspect that over time we'll find that a number of things were in fact hidden prior to the conflict. That's what most people in -- run -- who run museums do prior to a conflict which was obviously well telegraphed in advance.

///END ACTUALITY///

U-S forces have been criticized for failing to protect Iraq's museums and archaelogical sites. But Pentagon officials dismiss the criticism, noting coalition forces avoided targeting them during the war. They also say looting occurred while troops were still engaged in ground fighting and unable to provide security. (Signed)

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