The gravest danger we face in the war on terror is outlaw
regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons.
The UN and U.S. intelligence sources have known for some time
that Saddam Hussein has materials to produce chemical and biological
weapons, but he has not accounted for them, nor has he accounted for
almost 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents.
Thousands of Iraqi security personnel are at work hiding
documents and materials from the UN inspectors. Iraqi officials
accompany all inspectors in order to intimidate witnesses, and Saddam
Hussein has ordered that scientists who cooperate with the UN be
killed, along with their families.
Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including al-Qaida
members. He could provide hidden weapons to terrorists or help them
develop their own. It would take just one vial, one canister, one
crate slipped into our country to bring a day of horror like none we
have ever known.
The United States will ask the UN Security Council to convene
next week to consider the facts of Iraq's ongoing defiance of the
world. We will consult. But if Saddam Hussein does not disarm, we
will act for the safety of our people, and for the peace of the world.