DATE=9-5-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=Powell-Iraq (S)

NUMBER=307207

BYLINE=David Gollust

DATELINE=State Department

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell said Friday the Bush administration is ready to work with other U-N Security Council members on terms of its draft U-N resolution aimed at expanding the international security presence in Iraq. But he said the U-N-sanctioned force must be under United States command. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: The U-S draft has drawn criticism from the French and German leaders who say the plan would not transfer governing powers to Iraqis quickly enough or give enough authority to the United Nations.

But in a policy address in Washington, Mr. Powell sounded a conciliatory note, saying the administration is prepared to listen to critics and amend the draft -- provided that it helps reach the sole U-S objective for Iraq -- the return of sovereignty to the Iraqi people based on democracy and peaceful relations with neighboring states:

///Powell actuality///

We will listen to all of the comments that will be coming in. And we will try to adjust and adapt to those comments as long as it is consistent with what I have just described as our overall goal.

///end act///

Mr. Powell said that as the largest contributor of troops to the envisaged U-N force, the United States should be in command. He said there is nothing unusual about the stipulation, and that the model has worked in the past and that U-S officials are confident it will work now. (Signed)

neb/pt