Draft Resolution by President Bush Against Saddam - 2002-09-19

President Bush intends to send a draft resolution to Congress today, which U.S. lawmakers are expected to issue in support of potential action against Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq. Government officials have not yet disclosed the details of the proposed resolution. However, the Washington Post reports that this resolution would grant the President broad and unlimited authority regarding Iraq, which would not be contingent upon the issuance or non-issuance of a United Nations Security Council resolution. On Wednesday, Mr. Bush once again urged the United Nations to take a firm stance against Iraq. The U.S. President dismissed Iraq's proposal to allow weapons inspections by the UN as another ploy to evade UN resolutions. Secretary of State Colin Powell continues his efforts to persuade Security Council members to adopt a new resolution regarding the disarmament of Iraq. In the latest news, President Bush has formally requested Congress to grant the President broad powers to use military force against Iraq. The White House has sent a draft resolution in this regard to Congress. According to the proposed resolution, the President would be allowed to use all means he deems appropriate, including military force, to enforce UN Security Council resolutions and defend the national security interests of the United States. Congress will discuss the proposed presidential resolution. Congress has promised to vote on this resolution before the midterm elections on November 5 and before Congress adjourns. Previously, Mr. Bush had stated that if the United Nations Security Council does not take action against Iraq, the United States and its allies will act. Mr. Bush says this is the message that Secretary of State Colin Powell will convey to other Security Council members during their meeting.