EU gives Iraq 'last chance' warning

www.4ni.co.uk Monday, 17th February 2003 @ 22:17

The EU is trying to agree a plan to warn Iraq it faces a "last chance" to disarm peacefully, according to a draft proposal. The proposal being considered by the leaders of the 15 EU states says force should only be used as a last resort, but UN weapon inspections cannot continue indefinitely. "Baghdad should have no illusions. The Iraqi regime alone will be responsible for the consequences if it continues to flout the will of the international community," said the proposal. The proposal gives strong backing for the US and British demand for swift action to disarm Iraq, giving the American military build-up in the Gulf credit for forcing Saddam Hussein to work with UN weapons inspectors. Meanwhile, Britain and the US are expected to push ahead this week with a new resolution seeking authority to forcefully disarm Saddam Hussein, diplomats say. Despite fresh threats by France and others to oppose the measure, the resolution will probably be circulated on Wednesday, after two days of open debate. The diplomats say they expect Security Council negotiations on the draft to be concluded by the time chief weapons inspector Hans Blix delivers his next report on March 1.