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American Morning
Iraq Media: Baghdad May Accept New Resolution
Aired November 07, 2002 - 09:07 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.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Now on to this story out of the Middle East, after eight weeks of intense lobbying and debating, it could all come down to tomorrow. That's when the U.S. plans to bring up its proposed resolution for a vote at the U.N. Today, there are some new indications that Saddam Hussein would accept a new resolution. And for that, let's turn to the Baghdad bureau chief Jane Arraf.
Good morning, Jane.
JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Good morning, Paula.
The scene is described as a last chance for Iraq to avert war, and it does look as if Iraq is going to take it. Now, official policy here is very slow to filter down. but in the pages of the official newspapers, like this one, "Aspara (ph)," the ruling Baath Party paper, "Revolution." There's a very revealing line today, that says that it is not in Iraq's interest to ignore or contravene Security Council Resolutions as others do, and it says, in exchange, the security council should recognize Iraq's rights.
Now, that's being taken here today to mean that although Iraq won't like the resolution and will protest against it, it will at the end of the day very likely accept it. It's taking to heart the advice from its allies, that really, this is the last chance for it to avert a military attack -- Paula.
ZAHN: Is there still an expectation there, though, there will ultimately be a war, regardless of how this one resolution plays out?
ARRAF: There is very much that expectation, not just among the Iraqi leadership, but on the evil of the streets, as well. A very firm conviction here, and this isn't just the official line that this is all about not disarming Iraq, but getting rid of President Saddam Hussein and seizing Iraqi oil. That's what people here to believe. Those that are a majority believe it's planned, that no matter what happens with the resolution, that if the inspectors come back in, there are going to be problems that could eventually lead to war.
So, essentially, a small sigh of relief the latest hurdle appears to be about to be passed, but no long-term hope as of yet.
ZAHN: Jane Arraf, thanks so much for that update.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired November 7, 2002 - 09:07 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Now on to this story out of the Middle East, after eight weeks of intense lobbying and debating, it could all come down to tomorrow. That's when the U.S. plans to bring up its proposed resolution for a vote at the U.N. Today, there are some new indications that Saddam Hussein would accept a new resolution. And for that, let's turn to the Baghdad bureau chief Jane Arraf.
Good morning, Jane.
JANE ARRAF, CNN BAGHDAD BUREAU CHIEF: Good morning, Paula.
The scene is described as a last chance for Iraq to avert war, and it does look as if Iraq is going to take it. Now, official policy here is very slow to filter down. but in the pages of the official newspapers, like this one, "Aspara (ph)," the ruling Baath Party paper, "Revolution." There's a very revealing line today, that says that it is not in Iraq's interest to ignore or contravene Security Council Resolutions as others do, and it says, in exchange, the security council should recognize Iraq's rights.
Now, that's being taken here today to mean that although Iraq won't like the resolution and will protest against it, it will at the end of the day very likely accept it. It's taking to heart the advice from its allies, that really, this is the last chance for it to avert a military attack -- Paula.
ZAHN: Is there still an expectation there, though, there will ultimately be a war, regardless of how this one resolution plays out?
ARRAF: There is very much that expectation, not just among the Iraqi leadership, but on the evil of the streets, as well. A very firm conviction here, and this isn't just the official line that this is all about not disarming Iraq, but getting rid of President Saddam Hussein and seizing Iraqi oil. That's what people here to believe. Those that are a majority believe it's planned, that no matter what happens with the resolution, that if the inspectors come back in, there are going to be problems that could eventually lead to war.
So, essentially, a small sigh of relief the latest hurdle appears to be about to be passed, but no long-term hope as of yet.
ZAHN: Jane Arraf, thanks so much for that update.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
