US President gives Saddam 48 hour ultimatum

(18 Mar 2003) Pool Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 1. Close-up US President George Bush walks to podium 2. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President: “My fellow citizens, events in Iraq have now reached the final days of decision. For more than a decade, the United States and other nations have pursued patient and honorable efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime without war. That regime pledged to reveal and destroy all its weapons of mass destruction as a condition for ending the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Since then, the world has engaged in 12 years of diplomacy. We have passed more than a dozen resolutions in the United Nations Security Council. We have sent hundreds of weapons inspectors to oversee the disarmament of Iraq. Our good faith has not been returned.“ APTN Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 3. View of television monitor showing President Bush making his speech Pool Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 4. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President “In recent days, some governments in the Middle East have been doing their part. They have delivered public and private messages urging the dictator to leave Iraq, so that disarmament can proceed peacefully. He has thus far refused. All the decades of deceit and cruelty have now reached an end. Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing. For their own safety, all foreign nationals, including journalists and inspectors, should leave Iraq immediately.“ APTN Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 5. Pull back view of reporter looking at TV monitor Pool Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 6. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President “If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country (Iraq) and not against you. As our coalition takes away their power, we will deliver the food and medicine you need. We will tear down the apparatus of terror and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free. In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against your neighbours, no more poison factories, no more executions of dissidents, no more torture chambers and rape rooms. The tyrant will soon be gone. The day of your liberation is near.“ APTN Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 7. Close-up reporter looking at Bush speaking on TV Pool Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 8. SOUNDBITE: (English) George W. Bush, US President “Our government is on heightened watch against these dangers. Just as we are preparing to ensure victory in Iraq, we are taking further actions to protect our homeland. In recent days, American authorities have expelled from the country certain individuals with ties to Iraqi intelligence services. Among other measures, I have directed additional security of our airports, and increased Coast Guard patrols of major seaports. The Department of Homeland Security is working closely with the nation’s governors to increase armed security at critical facilities across America. Should enemies strike our country, they would be attempting to shift our attention with panic and weaken our morale with fear. In this, they would fail. No act of theirs can alter the course or shake the resolve of this country. We are a peaceful people, yet we’re not a fragile people, and we will not be intimidated by thugs and killers. If our enemies dare to strike us, they and all who have aided them, will face fearful consequences. We are now acting because the risks of inaction would be far greater.“ APTN Washington, DC - March 17, 2003 9. Night view of White House STORYLINE: You can license this story through AP Archive: Find out more about AP Archive: