Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7/5/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/WRAP (L-O)

NUMBER=2-317262

BYLINE=MICHAEL BOWMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

HEADLINE: Iraq Delays Amnesty Announcement

INTRO: Iraq's interim government has delayed announcing measures designed to quell violence by insurgents. From Washington, VOA's Michael Bowman has details.

TEXT: For nearly a week, the government of Prime Minister Iyad Alawi has been widely expected to announce a limited amnesty for low-level insurgents in a bid to quell a campaign of bombings and ambush attacks across Iraq since Saddam Hussein's removal from power.

But the announcement was put on hold Monday. A spokesman for Mr. Alawi says the delay was prompted by security concerns, and to give the government more time to put the finishing touches on a comprehensive plan to boost security in Iraq.

The spokesman said the plan will address several areas of concern, including rules for search and seizure when it comes to suspects and their property. He said the amnesty will not be a blanket pardon for those who have perpetrated violence in Iraq; rather, it entails a conditional pardon for those who collaborated with insurgents and terrorists, but committed no violent acts themselves.

Speaking on U.S. television, ABC's "This Week" program Sunday, Mr. Alawi said security will continue to be a primary concern of his government.

/// ALAWI ACT ///

"We will take various measures that we will be able to implement whenever and if the situation requires. I always maintained that we will witness an escalation in insurgency and terrorist activities. They might be regrouping. That is why we have to be on the alert. We have to be prepared. We have to be ready to defend our people."

/// END ACT ///

The postponement of the amnesty announcement followed a denunciation of the interim government by militant Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who said the unelected body is "illegitimate," and would be opposed to the "last drop of blood." A spokesman for the cleric told reporters Mr. al-Sadr is advocating peaceful resistance and not a call to arms. Democratic elections are expected in Iraq in early 2005.

Meanwhile, U-S military officials continue to hold out hope that kidnapped Lebanese-American Marine Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun is alive. A Web site linked to suspected militants had reported the corporal's beheading, but on Sunday, the group claiming to hold the serviceman denied carrying out the execution.

U.S. Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt welcomed the news.

/// KIMMITT ACT ///

"The group that at first claimed they beheaded the Marine are now claiming they have not beheaded the Marine. We see that as optimistic; we find it as good news. I know the family (of the Marine) is pleased with that news. We would continue to tell that group to turn this Marine over to proper authorities without harm."

/// END ACT ///

On Monday, officials in Fallujah reported U-S warplanes bombed a home in the strife-ridden city. In recent weeks, U.S. forces have leveled several houses in Fallujah that were believed to be used by the terrorist network of Jordanian militant Abu Musab Zarqawi. (SIGNED)

NEB/MCB/TW/MEM