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CNN Live Sunday

Hussein Gets Iraqis Ready for War

Aired March 16, 2003 - 19:12   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.


ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: As the U.S. and its allies prepare for tomorrow's moment of truth with the United Nations, Iraqi president is getting his nation ready for the prospect of a U.S. led attack. Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson reports on what is happening in and around Baghdad today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): New generators on the move. Business not booming. Nevertheless, fears of conflict driving up sales of essential wartime commodities.

It is a precaution for cooking, says Dihire (ph), because gas might not be available. Water pumps made in Iraq, one of the best selling items following a decree by Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council, dividing Iraq into four regions ready for war.

I sold 20 today, says storekeeper Mohammad.

On television, a commercial by Iraq's Youth Federation advertises chemical fallout shelters, pumps, and first aid kits. When we tried it, the telephone number on display was busy all day. Concerns about conflict also causing the U.N. to withdraw five of its eight helicopters. The Bell 212 no longer covered by insurance, relocated to Cypress. Despite the distractions of an apparently eminent war, destruction of Iraq's Al-Samoud 2 missiles continues, two more this day. Inspections also continuing as Iraq offered the U.N. more documents and a letter relating to the destruction of precursor chemicals for mustard gas.

ROBERTSON (on camera): While accelerating preparations for war, Iraq is also giving the U.N. more to think about. As well as the new documents handed in this day, videos and photographs of mobile laboratories also passed to the U.N. Iraq, it appears, is trying to keep all its options open.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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 March 16, 2003 - 19:12   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: As the U.S. and its allies prepare for tomorrow's moment of truth with the United Nations, Iraqi president is getting his nation ready for the prospect of a U.S. led attack. Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson reports on what is happening in and around Baghdad today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): New generators on the move. Business not booming. Nevertheless, fears of conflict driving up sales of essential wartime commodities.

It is a precaution for cooking, says Dihire (ph), because gas might not be available. Water pumps made in Iraq, one of the best selling items following a decree by Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council, dividing Iraq into four regions ready for war.

I sold 20 today, says storekeeper Mohammad.

On television, a commercial by Iraq's Youth Federation advertises chemical fallout shelters, pumps, and first aid kits. When we tried it, the telephone number on display was busy all day. Concerns about conflict also causing the U.N. to withdraw five of its eight helicopters. The Bell 212 no longer covered by insurance, relocated to Cypress. Despite the distractions of an apparently eminent war, destruction of Iraq's Al-Samoud 2 missiles continues, two more this day. Inspections also continuing as Iraq offered the U.N. more documents and a letter relating to the destruction of precursor chemicals for mustard gas.

ROBERTSON (on camera): While accelerating preparations for war, Iraq is also giving the U.N. more to think about. As well as the new documents handed in this day, videos and photographs of mobile laboratories also passed to the U.N. Iraq, it appears, is trying to keep all its options open.

Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com