DATE=9/14/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ /POWELL (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-307492

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell says the full United Nations Security Council is to meet Monday to discuss a U-S proposal to include more U-N member nations in the reconstruction of Iraq. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Baghdad, the secretary made the remark during a visit to Iraq to meet with senior officials of the Iraqi interim government

and the U-S led provisional authority.

TEXT: Mr. Powell told reporters in Baghdad he hopes the new U-S proposals will give the United Nations once again a strong political mandate in Iraq.

/// POWELL ACT ///

The U-N has a vital role to play. We want to involve it as much as possible. And that's why we're working so hard for this resolution.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Powell came to Iraq Sunday from Geneva, where he discussed the U-S proposal with foreign ministers of the other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

France has proposed returning sovereignty to Iraqi leaders next month and holding elections early next year, but Mr. Powell says this timetable is too fast. He said the only way to guarantee a democratic Iraq emerges is through a deliberate process that builds up

government institutions.

An hour before the secretary arrived, one U-S soldier was killed and three were wounded in an attack on their convoy near Fallujah. The town is in mourning for nine Iraqi police and one Jordanian guard who were killed by U-S soldiers Friday in a "friendly fire" incident.

(SIGNED)

NEB/SB/DW/TW