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STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN LARSON IN REACTION TO PRESIDENT BUSH'S SPEECH TO THE UNITED NATIONS

September 12, 2002
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2002

STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN LARSON IN REACTION TO PRESIDENT BUSH'S SPEECH TO THE UNITED NATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C.-"I would like to applaud President Bush for speaking before the United Nations on the issue of Iraq. The president has correctly sought the support of the U.N. Security Council in enforcing existing sanctions against Iraq, clearly outlining and reiterating our old commitments.

"It is clear that moderate foreign policy voices in the Administration, such as Colin Powell, have prevailed over those aggressively seeking a preemptive, unilateral strike against Iraq without the support of our allies or the United Nations. Requiring U.N. weapons inspectors to return unfettered into Iraq is the first critical step to ensuring greater global security by ensuring that Saddam Hussein is not in possession of or building weapons of mass destruction.

"This process is going to be difficult for many of those on the Council, such as France, China, and Russia, as well as international oil companies, who for their own economic gain have continually worked to undermine the present sanctions imposed on Iraq.

"The president has made a reasonable requestfor action on existing U.N. Security Council Resolutions, and it is now incumbent upon Saddam Hussein to live up to his obligations to the international community. We must now work together with our allies to see that U.N. Resolutions and authority are not flouted," said Larson.

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Issues:Defense