Bush signs Congress' war-making resolution

US PRESIDENT George W Bush yesterday signed Congress' war-making resolution and told wary world leaders to "face up to our global responsibilities" to confront Saddam Hussein.

"Those who choose to live in denial may eventually be forced to live in fear," Mr Bush said as the United Nations began a bitter debate over his plans to disarm and oust Saddam. "Every nation that shares in the benefits of peace also shares in the duty of defending the peace."

With dozens of lawmakers from both parties on hand for the East Room signing ceremony, Mr Bush used his speech and last Friday's strong congressional vote to press the UN to adopt a resolution compelling Iraq to submit to unconditional arms inspections: "We will defend our nation and lead others in defending the peace." Though he said military action would be his last resort, Mr Bush left little room for Saddam to avoid confrontation: "Our goal is to fully and finally remove a real threat to world peace and to America."