THE United States said yesterday it was open to changes in its Iraq resolution for tough new weapons inspections, but Russia and France are concerned it may allow the US to launch a go-it-alone war against Saddam Hussein.

The new US draft resolution on Iraq today set off a final diplomatic push for tough new weapons inspections, backed by threats of force if Saddam Hussein continues to skirt his disarmament obligations.

Iraq’s state controlled media today accused President Bush of attempting to use the United Nations and said he would lie to the world body to further his campaign against Baghdad.

President George Bush is a warmonger that the world would be better off without, an Iraqi state-run newspaper said today.