The UN Security Council Seems to Be Approaching Compromise

The UN Security Council appears to be nearing a compromise following the US agreement to withdraw its request for a resolution that would allow military action against Iraq in the event of interference with weapons inspectors. French President Jacques Chirac expressed satisfaction with the new draft resolution, which warns of unspecified consequences instead of immediate military action. Moscow indicated it might support military action if Iraq obstructs inspectors searching for weapons of mass destruction. Washington stated that the proposed resolution would maintain the US right to take action for self-defense and does not require the US to wait for another resolution before engaging in military action. The Security Council is working on the details of a resolution proposed by the US, which calls for the disarmament of Iraq. The proposed resolution warns of unspecified consequences for Iraq instead of threatening military action if it does not cease its production of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. UN diplomats hope that a resolution against Iraq will be approved by the end of the week. Meanwhile, US officials emphasize that the US may attack Iraq at any moment, with or without UN approval, in self-defense.