Iraq resolution 'close': White House

United Nations negotiations to secure a resolution on Iraq are reaching their final stages, according to the White House.

The draft wording has now been distributed to the full Security Council, ending a lengthy debate among the UN's five permanent members.

A vote, which even Washington admits could go either way, could now take place next week.

Britain has said it will co-sponsor the draft, which is aimed at guaranteeing Iraq gets rid of its weapons of mass destruction.

Russia has rejected the resolution, saying it contains "unacceptable authorization of force".

China and France are also thought to be opposed.

All four nations, along with the United States, have veto power in the 15-member council.

The revised draft was distributed to the full council for the first time on Wednesday.

It came after six weeks of inconclusive discussions between the veto-holding powers.

The document has dropped explicit authorization for military action if Iraq does not comply with UN arms inspections.

However, it leaves the door open for war by declaring Iraq in "material breach" of UN resolutions and threatening "serious consequences" if it does not comply.

A Security Council resolution needs nine votes in favor and no veto from its five permanent members to be adopted.