US can disarm Saddam regardless of UN resolution, says Powell

US Secretary of State Colin Powell said yesterday the United States would introduce an Iraq resolution to the United Nations this week, but said Washington already has the authority to act, if needed, to disarm Saddam Hussein.

Mr Powell said while key members of the UN Security Council have yet to sign off on the proposed resolution, he expected strong support for unfettered weapons inspections demanded in the tough US Security Council resolution.

"I think it's a resolution that will draw good support from the Security Council," Mr Powell said. "But he added, "there's still a ways to go". President Bush, determined to oust the Iraqi leader whom he accuses of backing terrorism and developing nuclear weapons, is seeking to rally UN backing for possible war against Iraq should Saddam balk at weapons inspections.