Inspectors back giving Saddam tough warning

GIVING some needed support to the US, top weapons inspectors backed delivering a tough UN warning to Saddam Hussein, but insisted it was up to the Security Council, not inspectors, to decide on war or peace in Iraq.

At a Security Council meeting on Monday, the inspectors also made clear they'd like some changes in the new inspection regime envisioned by the US. But the key issue remains the dispute in the council over whether a new US draft resolution gives a green light for the use of force against Iraq.

The inspectors' comments laid the basis for ongoing negotiations, beginning in capitals of key Security Council nations yesterday and wrapping up later at another full council meeting.

The US has been pressing for a vote on its draft resolution, but administration officials said on Monday it could be pushed back a week. That would delay a high-stakes showdown in the divided council until after the November 5 US congressional elections.

The US draft resolution, written with British support, includes references to "material breach" and "serious consequences" language which key council members believe could authorise military force if Saddam fails to comply with inspectors.

France, Russia and China all veto-wielding council members oppose any green light for military action before inspectors can test Iraq's willingness to co-operate with inspectors on the ground. Should Iraq obstruct the inspections, the three powerful members envision a second resolution dealing with consequences.

France and Russia have circulated rival proposals but have not formally introduced them in the council.

When UN chief inspector Hans Blix was asked whether a resolution warning Iraq of consequences if it didn't cooperate would strengthen the hand of inspectors, he replied: "Yes, I think it is desirable that Iraq understands that any lack of co-operation or violation of the provisions of the resolution will call for reactions on the part of the council."

But Blix and Mohammed ElBaradei, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency which is in charge of nuclear inspections, steered clear of endorsing any specific language.

The chief inspectors also moved quickly to squash reports that they held war and peace in Iraq in their hands. During their closed-door briefing, the inspectors generally supported US proposals to strengthen inspections, including allowing surprise inspections of presidential sites where advance notice is now needed and "freezing" sites so nothing is changed or taken out.

But they were critical of several elements, including authorisation to interview Iraqis and their families outside the country and away from Iraqi government observers.