DATE=12/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH IRAQ (S)

NUMBER=2-297956

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says he still hopes Iraq will give up its weapons of mass destruction voluntarily and avoid military action. VOA's Scott Stearns has the story.

TEXT: President Bush says the world has come together to send Iraq a "clear signal" that it must give up suspected chemical and biological weapons or face military consequences.

Speaking to reporters near his Texas ranch, Mr. Bush said, so far, the response from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has been "discouraging."

/// BUSH ACT ///

I hope this Iraq situation will be resolved peacefully. One of my New Year's resolutions is to work to deal with these situations in a way so that they are resolved peacefully. But thus far it appears, on first look, that Saddam Hussein hasn't heard the message.

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Washington says Iraq gave the United Nations an "incomplete" declaration of its weapons programs and believes the country is continuing to hide illegal weapons.

U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan told Israeli radio Tuesday that Iraq is cooperating with U-N arms inspectors and he sees no reason for military action at this time.(SIGNED)

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