Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Invitation from President Bush for Iraqi foreign minister to come to United States for talks while Secretary of State James Baker goes to Iraq for talks with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein reported.

(White House: Brit Hume) Bush's new policy reviewed. [BUSH - says he wants Baker to talk to Hussein face-to-face; says if there is war, it will not be a drawn-out war; says these are worldwide principles.]

(Studio: Peter Jennings) UN's passage yesterday of resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq noted.

(State Department: John McWethy) Background to strategy decision to offer to send emissary to Iraq after vote on United Nations resolution examined. [Middle East expert William QUANDT - says sending Baker makes it seem like an offer to negotiate; analyzes reaction of Congress and public opinion to the move.] Possibility that talks might lead to Hussein finding a face-saving way to back down mentioned.

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(Capitol Hill: Jim Wooten) Meeting of Congressional leaders with Bush following his new diplomatic initiative featured; scenes shown. [Representative Henry HYDE, Senator Richard LUGAR - praise Bush.] Positions of Senators Robert Dole, George Mitchell and Representative Thomas Foley on idea of reconvening Congress stated. [Senator Sam NUNN - comments on what might happen.]