DATE=3/22/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287883

TITLE=BUSH / IRAQ (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=MONTERREY

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein should be removed from power because he could help terrorists acquire weapons of mass destruction. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush says he has no imminent plans for military action against Iraq and is continuing to consult with allies over the terrorist threat.

TEXT: Speaking to reporters at the end of a visit to Mexico, President Bush says the Iraqi leader must not be allowed to help terrorists acquire chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.

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A nightmare scenario, of course, would be if a terrorist organization such as al-Qaida were to link-up with a barbaric regime such as Iraq and thereby in essence possess weapons of mass destruction. We cannot allow that to happen.

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President Bush wants U-N weapons inspectors to return to Iraq. He says the Iraqi leader's refusal to allow those inspectors shows he is still hiding weapons of mass destruction, weapons that could be used by terrorists to attack America and its allies.

Mr. Bush says he would like to see Saddam Hussein driven from power, but he says U-S officials are telling allies there are no imminent plans to remove him by force. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/RH