LOCAL : Baker Gives Warning to Hussein

Secretary of State James A. Baker III said today Iraq would suffer “the most severe consequences” if President Saddam Hussein decides to use chemical or biological weapons.

In remarks to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, Baker said while the United States is exhausting every diplomatic avenue to achieve a peaceful solution, no option has been excluded.

“Let no one doubt: We will not rule out a possible use of force if Iraq continues to occupy Kuwait,” Baker said.

“Saddam Hussein’s way is not the way of peace. His is a prescription for war. And I will say this bluntly: If his way of doing business prevails, there will be no hope of peace in the area.”