The US, Britain and France overcame last-minute differences with Russia and China on a UN resolution imposing punishing sanctions on North Korea, and the Security Council was expected to approve it unanimously tonight.

The US has objected to a proposed Russian statement expressing grave concern at Georgia’s recent provocative actions, including the arrest of four Russian officers for alleged spying and deploying troops in part of the breakaway province of Abkhazia.

The United Nations is a disaster waiting to happen – a potential towering inferno that could be as devastating for workers, staff and visitors as the terror attacks on the World Trade Center’s twin towers, a US senator has said.

The US and its European allies remained at odds with Russia and China over Iran’s suspected nuclear programme today, as Britain proposed new talks and sanctions backed by force if necessary.