USA - Blair and Clinton address press conference

(6 Feb 1998) T/I: 11:03:56


US President Bill Clinton and Prime British Tony Blair told a press conference on Friday (6/2) that Britain and the US stand together on the Iraqi crisis, insisting that a diplomatic solution is the preferred policy but that military action will be taken should Saddam Hussein continue to prevent UN weapon inspectors from performing their task.

SHOWS:

WASHINGTON DC, USA, 6/2
WS presser;
Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Bill Clinton through doors to podium;
SOT, Clinton: "On the eve of the 21st century the Prime Minister and I seek to shape ....preparing our own countries for the future";
C/a
SOT, Clinton: "On Iraq we stand together... Saddam Hussein must know that we are determined to prevent him from threatening the world with weapons of mass destruction. We would prefer a diplmotic solution. Want to get inspectors back to work. If Saddam does not reply, we must be prepared to act";
SOT, Blair: "Thank you Mr President..can I begin by saying how grateful we have been for the warm welcome...we discussed differnent topics, top of list Iraq...public need educating on work of weapons inspectors.. they need to be able to do their work unhindered. In UK we have published document on weapons finds..shows how necessary and important their work is..diplomatic solution of course but has to be ok with
resolutions worked out. Hussein has the choice. Thirdly we have to prepare in case diplomacy cannot work. We have been looking at our own military efforts. Deployment of planes will take place over the next few days...we will base Tornados in Kuwait...";
QU: What was your relationship with Lewinsky?
SOT, Clinton, saying he cannot comment, someone making unauthorised leaks from grand jury investigation..he cannot comment until investigation over";
QU: Should politicians not reflect high moral standards in their private lives?
SOT, Blair, saying he hopes that politicians can...but important to focus on work elected to do...Clinton and he have covered many topics...";

6.48

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