Bush warns against inaction on Iraq

US President George Bush today expressed his frustration with allies reluctant to wage war on Iraq, saying Saddam Hussein has been given “ample time” to disarm.

“This business about more time, how much time do we need to see clearly that he is not disarming?” Bush said.

He was responding to suggestions from countries including France and Germany that they would try to stop the UN Security Council passing a war resolution against Iraq.

They have said the UN weapons inspectors need more time – possibly months more - to finish their work.

The president said he will lead a “coalition of the willing” to disarm Iraq, if that becomes necessary.

“Time is running out,” Bush said. He said Saddam possesses weapons of mass destruction and is a “serious threat” to the US and its allies.

“It appears to be a rerun of a bad movie. He is delaying. He is deceiving. He is asking for time. He is playing hide and seek with inspectors. One thing for sure is, he is not disarming,” Bush said.

“So the United States of America, in the name of peace, will insist that he does disarm and we will keep pressure” on Iraq.”

And in a flash of impatience, Bush said of his reluctant allies: “Surely our friends have learned lessons from the past.”