The Iraqi regime's violations of Security Council resolutions
are evident, and they continue. The regime has never accounted for a
vast arsenal of deadly biological and chemical weapons, and is pursuing
an elaborate campaign to conceal its weapons materials, and to hide or
intimidate key experts and scientists.
This deception is directed from the highest levels of the Iraqi
regime, including Saddam Hussein, his son, the Vice President, and the
very official responsible for cooperating with inspectors.
Sources tell us Saddam Hussein recently authorized Iraqi field
commanders to use chemical weapons - the very weapons the dictator
tells the world he does not have.
The same terrorist network operating out of Iraq is responsible
for the recent murder of an American diplomat. This network has
plotted terrorism against France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Republic
of Georgia, Russia, and was caught producing poisons in London. The
danger of weapons of mass destruction reaches across the world.
Saddam Hussein was given a final chance; he is throwing that
chance away. The Security Council must show whether its words have any
meaning. Having made its demands, the Security Council must not back
down, when those demands are defied and mocked by a dictator.
The United States would welcome and support a new resolution
which makes clear that the Security Council stands behind its previous
demands. Yet resolutions mean little without resolve. The United
States, along with a growing coalition of nations, is will take
whatever action is necessary to defend ourselves and disarm the Iraqi
regime.
On September 11, 2001, America saw what terrorists could do by
turning four airplanes into weapons. We will not wait to see what
terrorists or terrorist states could do with chemical, biological,
radiological or nuclear weapons.
The people of Iraq are not our enemies. The true enemy of the
Iraqi people is Saddam Hussein, and they have suffered long enough
under this tyrant. And the Iraqi people can be certain the United
States is committed to helping them build a better future. If conflict
occurs, America will bring Iraq food, medicine, supplies and, most
importantly, freedom.