FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 5, 2003

LARSON STATEMENT ON SECRETARY POWELL'S ADDRESS BEFORE THE UNITED NATIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement on Secretary of State Colin Powell's address before the United Nations today.

"Secretary Powell has clearly shown that Iraq and Saddam Hussein have consistently deceived and misled the United Nations with regard to the possession of weapons of mass destruction. The U.N. Security Council previously called on Iraq to disarm and cooperate fully with weapons inspectors, and Iraq has intentionally defied this resolution.

"Saddam Hussein still has time to cooperate with the world community, although that time appears to be limited. If Iraq continues to deceive the United Nations and refuses to disarm, I believe that the U.S. should seek a second Security Council vote authorizing the use of force against Iraq, serving to build the broadest coalition possible, including critical Middle Eastern nations. Any military action taken against Iraq must include the support and cooperation of a solid, wide-ranging international coalition and we must continue to reject a policy of unilateralism.

"Regardless of differences over policy, should military action be taken against Iraq, we must absolutely stand united behind the men and women of our Armed Forces," said Larson.

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Larson is a Member of the House Armed Services Committee