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Bush cites al-Qaeda link to justify Iraq
attack
Last Updated Wed, 19 Mar 2003 14:00:12 WASHINGTON - U.S. President George Bush on Wednesday sent Congress a formal justification for invading Iraq, citing the attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. Bush will make a televised speech if the U.S. attacks Iraq, a spokesperson said.
The three-paragraph note justifying war said diplomacy has failed to guarantee America's security. The Constitution gives Bush authority to "take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those organizations or persons who planned, authorized, committed or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001," the note said. White House spokesperson Sean McCormack said the reference is to Iraq. Bush has said Iraq has links with al-Qaeda, the organization blamed for the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington. Other countries remain unconvinced about the link. White House spokesperson Ari Fleischer warned Americans that there could be casualties in the attack, and while the war is expected to be short, "it could be a matter of some duration." Bush met Wednesday morning with top defence and foreign policy chiefs. He also met with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to discuss Operation Atlas, the city's preparations for possible terror attacks if a war begins.
Written by CBC News Online staff
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