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.