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CNN LIVE AT DAYBREAK

Wake-Up Call: Debate Over Iraq

Aired February 20, 2003 - 06:05   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: In an interview with French Public Radio, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell accused countries like France that want more time for arms inspections of being afraid to take responsibility for a possible war with Iraq. His comments seemed to be a criticism of French President Jacques Chirac, who, of course, has asked for a longer, more intense inspection process in Iraq. Powell says more inspections and longer inspections are not the issue.
With more on that and Iraq, we’ve put in a "Wake-Up Call" to our State Department producer, Elise Labott. She joins us on the phone from Washington.

Good morning -- Elise.

ELISE LABOTT, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT PRODUCER: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: So, President Bush says a second resolution would be helpful, but not necessary. What is he really saying?

LABOTT: Well, he's really saying that he's not sure a new resolution would pass the Security Council. France, a permanent member, has threatened to veto this new resolution. And other permanent members -- Russia and China -- are also calling for inspectors to have more time.

COSTELLO: Gotcha. And I wanted to ask you about the anti-war demonstrations, and if President Bush is really concerned about that. He says he isn't, but is he?

LABOTT: Well, I think the U.S. is afraid that this could certainly encourage countries like France to dig in their heels.

Carol, this past weekend, the French Mission to the United Nations was flooded this weekend with well over 10,000 e-mails supporting France's stance in favor of supporting continued inspections, opposing a U.S. war against Iraq. And other leaders across the world are facing domestic pressure at home as a result.

After that large anti-war demonstration in London over the weekend, even the British may be more inclined to pursue a resolution with more ultimatums to Iraq on certain issues. Certainly, as you mentioned, Tony Blair faces an uphill battle convincing his government and the British public that war is necessary.

COSTELLO: Oh, he certainly does. Elise Labott, thanks for getting up early with DAYBREAK. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.




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