Text of White House Response to Iraq

ap ^ | 9/16/02

[knak]

As the president said, the U.N. Security Council needs to decide how to enforce its own resolutions, which the Iraqi regime has defied for more than a decade.

This will require a new, effective U.N. Security Council resolution that will actually deal with the threat Saddam Hussein poses to the Iraqi people, to the region, and to the world. That is the course the Security Council is on, and the United States is engaged in consultations with Council members and other partners in New York at this time.

[Utah Girl]

Hmmm, sounds as if the WHite House didn't fall for Hussein's delaying tactic.

[Vidalia]

How would one say "Ewscray Ewyay" in English...?

[fineright]

I'm glad somebody isn't falling for his line of crap.

[MJY1288]

President Bush never demended the return of weapons inspectors, he only pointed out that Iraq violated every last one of the resolutions for the past 11 years. The President was clear he wanted an ultimatum not inspectors. NO NEW RESOLUTION has been drawn up. Iraq is trying to dance, NOT COMPLY

[kayak]

The full text is now on the White House web site ......

Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary

As the President said, the UN Security Council needs to decide how to enforce its own resolutions, which the Iraqi regime has defied for more than a decade.

This will require a new, effective UN Security Council resolution that will actually deal with the threat Saddam Hussein poses to the Iraqi people, to the region, and to the world. That is the course the Security Council is on, and the United States is engaged in consultations with Council members and other partners in New York at this time.

This is not a matter of inspections. It is about disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi regime's compliance with all other Security Council resolutions.

This is a tactical step by Iraq in hopes of avoiding strong UN Security Council action. As such, it is a tactic that will fail.

It is time for the Security Council to act.

Emphasis is mine.

[Sungirl]

This is not a matter of inspections. It is about disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi regime's compliance with all other Security Council resolutions.

Thank God he is saying this.....inspections are NOT enough!

[Right_in_Virginia]

"This is not a matter of inspections. It is about disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and the Iraqi regime's compliance with all other Security Council resolutions."

Memorandum

To: Kofi

From: POTUS

For God's sake, turn the page and CATCH UP!

Or find your place in the dust bin of irrelevance.

[McLynnan]

It is time for the Security Council to act

I hope Kofi and the SC members take the hint. The UN is walking on thin ice now that we have a President who expects them to live up to their charter. He's within an inch of calling them irrelevant.

[kayak]

Personally, I hope he doesn't turn that page ..... I'd much rather see him continue "in the dust bin of irrelevance." ...... :-)

[antivenom]

Saddam's "carrot" is merely a distraction for the Muslim countries who are sitting on the fence...he is merely putting "doubt" in other Muslim's minds...giving the American hating UN member countries enough fuel to NOT support an attack.

[Wait4Truth]

As such, it is a tactic that will fail.

This is my favorite line. I started listening to Chris Matthews just to hear how he would whine and I was not disappointed. He thinks inspectors should be enough and that Saddam should not have to meet any other conditions. He thinks President Bush was "blind-sided" by Saddam and that now the President is acting like a "cowboy"....why would I ever expect anything more from Chrissy? In truth, I didn't.

[sarasmom]

"Iraq is trying to dance, NOT COMPLY"

Too bad nobody taught Hussein how to actually "two step" with a real cowboy.It does require a bit of practice before one attempts it in public.

It is not nearly as simple as it looks when done by the experts.

[GVnana]

"This is a tactical step by Iraq in hopes of avoiding strong U.N. Security Council action. As such, it is a tactic that will fail. It is time for the Security Council to act."

BRAVO!
Subtext: Kofi you're a grandstanding loser. Get out of the way.

[Howlin]

President Bush never demended the return of weapons inspectors

I wonder why WE know that but the press doesn't.

[GVnana]

I was fortunate enough to catch Kofi's announcement during "Brit Hume's Special Report" on FOX. Hume immediately pegged Kofi's "I'm saving the world" limelight seeking. Excellent commentary by the panel--on very short notice since it was breaking news. (I notice Kofi timed his television time just right. What a bastard to have the arrogance of trying to one-up the US president on American television!) I'm sure the program will be great tomorrow. May I recommend you switch from Matthews. I did, and have never regretted it.

[Rome2000]

I hope this thread lasts, the last 10 didn't.

[The Great Satan]

It is about disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction

Notice the present tense.

[Mo1]

I wonder why WE know that but the press doesn't.

Because the press would actually have had to listen to the President Speech and we know they can't do that

[MJY1288]

LOL, I wonder if the press is really that stupid. As if the Bush Admin. wasn't expecting a move like this. I said it the other day right after the speech to the UN, He didn't ask for weapons inspectors, he just pointed out all the violatiopns and said Saddam had his chance and now it's time to act, The last paragraph of the speech says it all:

If we meet our responsibilities, if we overcome this danger, we can arrive at a very different future. The people of Iraq can shake off their captivity. They can one day join a democratic Afghanistan and a democratic Palestine, inspiring reforms throughout the Muslim world. These nations can show by their example that honest government, and respect for women, and the great Islamic tradition of learning can triumph in the Middle East and beyond. And we will show that the promise of the United Nations can be fulfilled in our time.

Neither of these outcomes is certain. Both have been set before us. We must choose between a world of fear and a world of progress. We cannot stand by and do nothing while dangers gather. We must stand up for our security, and for the permanent rights and the hopes of mankind. By heritage and by choice, the United States of America will make that stand. And, delegates to the United Nations, you have the power to make that stand, as well.