THE US and Britain last night faced an uphill struggle in obtaining their demands for “unobstructed and unfettered” access to Saddam Hussein’s weapons programme after Russia criticised the need for a new United Nations resolution.

George W Bush has promised to seek congressional approval to use military force to oust Saddam Hussein as the White House considered giving Iraq a last-ditch ultimatum over weapons inspectors.

Traces of anthrax bacteria have been found in the mailrooms of two more senators.