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American Morning

Washington Hears Nothing New in Hussein Speech

Aired August 08, 2002 - 08:02   ET

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

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We want to get reaction now from not only Baghdad, but also Washington, on this potential for a U.S. military strike. Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi president, says anyone who attacks his country will be, and quoting now, "digging their own graves." That's what he said in a speech earlier.

Leaders in Washington say they heard nothing new from the Iraqi leader.

At the White House front lawn, Kelly Wallace with more reaction now -- Kelly, good morning.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Bill.

The message from the White House, we've heard this all before. The administration not really putting much weight into what Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had to say. Said one senior official, "The regime in Baghdad knows what it has to do. It must comply with the obligations it agreed to back in 1991 to rid the country of weapons of mass destruction."

This all being said, though, Saddam Hussein's sort of efforts or his indications that he is willing to talk and engage in dialogue could complicate the administration's goals of regime change. Vice President Cheney saying yesterday that he believes if Saddam Hussein is not dealt with, he will acquire nuclear weapons. President Bush saying he will use all tools at his disposal to deal with Saddam Hussein.

But skeptical allies very concerned about a military attack, not likely to support any military action, especially if Saddam Hussein truly does allow weapons inspectors back inside that country -- Bill.

HEMMER: Kelly Wallace at the White House.

Thank you, Kelly.

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