Security Council unites to hand Saddam ultimatum

SADDAM HUSSEIN was left friendless in the UN last night after the Security Council unanimously approved a tough new resolution aimed at forcing the Iraqi dictator to disarm or face “serious consequences” that would almost certainly mean war.

The surprising unanimous vote of all 15 members was a clear victory for the US and Britain who had drafted the resolution.

Even Syria, Iraq's Arab neighbour, voted for it, as did sceptical permanent members Russia and China.