(13 Nov 2002)
1. Wide shot of White House spokesman entering briefing room
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Scott McClellan, Deputy White House Press Secretary:
"I would remind you that it was never a question of accepting or rejecting the UN resolution. The resolution, the UN resolution is binding on Iraq and the Iraqi regime. Saddam Hussein had no choice but to accept the resolution. I would also remind you that we've heard this before from Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi regime. Now, we need to see it by Saddam Hussein's actions. The onus continues to be on Saddam Hussein. This is his choice."
3. Wide of State Department briefing room - pan to reporters
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Richard Boucher, State Department spokesman:
"I think on the general topic of the letter from the Iraqis that reportedly accepts the inspections, let me make a couple of points. First, let's all remember the resolution was adopted under Chapter 7 of the (UN) Charter, it is obligatory on all states, the resolution is binding under International Law from the day it was passed. Iraq has had no choice but to comply with the resolution's terms. The letter was one of the requirements. The next ones are full disclosure and active cooperation with the inspectors. Iraq will be called upon to demonstrate its compliance through real cooperation."
5. Wide of State Department briefing room
STORYLINE:
White House and State Department spokesmen have played down the importance of a letter reportedly sent by Saddam Hussein accepting the latest UN resolution on arms inspections, saying the Iraqi leader had no choice but to accept.
At the White House, Deputy Press Spokesman Scott McClellan said that the letter had not been seen in the Oval Office and that Saddam Hussein had no choice about accepting a binding UN resolution.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the letter was a requirement of the resolution, and Saddam Hussein had to now show compliance with the requirements of full disclosure and active cooperation with the weapons inspectors.
Iraq's UN representative Mohammed Al-Douri announced on Wednesday that his country had sent a letter to the United Nations accepting the new resolution "despite its bad contents."
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