NEWS RELEASE

Posted: Feb. 5, 2003

CASTLE: POWELL MADE COMPELLING CASE

U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle, a six-term Republican, released the following statement Wednesday in reaction to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell’s address to the United Nations:

"There is no doubt that Secretary Powell made an overwhelmingly compelling case that Iraq has not complied with the Security Council Resolution, which is considered its 'final opportunity' to voluntarily disarm.  It is clear that Iraq continues to deceive inspectors and is not moving toward disarmament.  Full cooperation is not going to happen.

“We face tough choices.  Do we continue with inspections? Will the mounting pressure force Sadaam Hussein into exile? Can a policy of containment work?   I set the threshold for military action very high, as I am sure many Americans do.  Military action brings great risks; but, these risks must be weighed against not taking action -- namely the threat Iraq poses to America, the world and even its own people through terrorism links with al Qaeda, the use of weapons of mass destruction, the development of nuclear weapons and the ultimate irresponsibility of Sadaam Hussein. 

"While America, its allies and the United Nations must make a final determination on how to proceed, there is one person who could prevent military action and that is Sadaam Hussein.  But time is running out."

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