Bush Gives Iraq Ultimatum

U.S. President George W. Bush sent a final ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein at 8 p.m. on Monday EST (or 10 a.m. yesterday KST). He warned that Saddam Hussein must leave Iraq within 48 hours. If he fails to leave, he would face an all-out war led by the United States.

Thus, the U.S.-led war on Iraq is expected to be launched some time after 8 p.m. Wednesday EST, or 10 a.m. Thursday KST.

"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," Mr. Bush said, in a televised address to the nation.

"For the last four-and-a-half months, the United States and our allies have worked within the Security Council to enforce that Council`s long-standing demands," he added, then turned to criticize some countries including France, saying, "Yet, some permanent members of the Security Council have publicly announced they will veto any resolution that compels the Iraqis to disarm."

"The United Nations Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities, so we will rise to ours," Mr. Bush continued.

He argued that the "United States of America has the sovereign authority to use force in assuring its own national security." He then urged, "For their own safety, all foreign nationals -- including journalists and inspectors -- should leave Iraq immediately."

He also appealed to the Iraqi people, saying, "We will tear down the apparatus of terror and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free."

In response, Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri said that that "every child" in Iraq knows the demand for Saddam Hussein to go into exile would fail.

Japan`s Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi voiced support for Mr. Bush, and Australian Prime Minister John Howard promised to send 2,000 troops in support of the United States.

Generally, however, early reactions to the Bush ultimatum from world leaders were negative. In protest against President Bush`s ultimatum, many people around the world held anti-war rallies.

In the meanwhile, the Homeland Security Department has increased the alert level against possible terrorist attacks on ports, nuclear power plants and other major facilities. Likewise, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has put its 5,000 agents on terrorism alert.

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