FORMER UN WEAPONS INSPECTOR, SCOTT RITTER, DISCUSSES "TARGET IRAN"

Los Angeles, CA - October 18, 2006 - Scott Ritter, author of "Target Iran" and former UN weapons inspector in Iraq, speaks to Town Hall Los Angeles on November 3, 2006. In his latest book, Ritter examines the potential threat of Iran to US national security interests. His appearance is an opportunity for the public to ask questions about ongoing crises in the region.

In June 2005, Ritter wrote, "The reality is that the US war with Iran has already begun. As we speak, American over-flights of Iranian soil are taking place using pilot-less drones and other, more sophisticated capabilities."

Ritter was an intelligence officer for the United States Marine Corps for 12 years. From 1991 to 1998, he was a UN weapons inspector in Iraq. Ritter participated in over 50 inspections and was the chief inspector in 14 of them. In January 1998, the Iraqi government accused Ritter of being a spy and expelled him from the country. Ritter would later say, "As of December 1998, we had no evidence Iraq had retained biological weapons, nor that they were working on any. In fact, we had a lot of evidence to suggest Iraq was in compliance."

Town Hall Los Angeles has historically designed programs focused on the Middle East including hosting Farah Pahlavi, wife of the late Shah of Iran, and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the US ? Prince Turki Al-Faisal. Recently, US Senator Russ Feingold, (Wisconsin ? D) US Senator Chuck Hagel (Nebraska ? R), Governor of Kansas Kathleen Sebelius (D), and General Anthony Zinni spoke at Town Hall on topics including the War in Iraq, the War on Terror, and growing hardships facing the US National Guard.

Since 1937, Town Hall Los Angeles has been dedicated to promoting civic participation and awareness. As a nonpartisan and nonprofit forum, we encourage a public discussion on issues of regional, national, and international significance.

All members of the media are invited to cover this event.
** Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.

WHEN: Friday, November 3, 2006
8:30 AM Breakfast
9:00 ? 10:00 AM Address and Q & A

WHERE: The City Club on Bunker Hill
333 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Note to reporters and editors: The organization uses the full name: Town Hall Los Angeles. Please do not make generic as in 'town hall.'

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