UK may introduce new UN resolution tomorrow

The United States and Britain were waiting to hear from the inspectors before deciding when to present a draft resolution that would either authorise military action or find Iraq in “material breach” of its obligations – a term that Washington and London believe would be enough to justify an attack, according to diplomats.

British diplomats said a draft could be introduced as early as tomorrow.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw were due to meet in New York today with the three other veto-wielding permanent council members – France, Russia and China – and then with the 10 elected members.

“There are a number of options,” said Britain’s UN Ambassador Sir Jeremy Greenstock. “I think there will be a last minute decision.”

France could also decide to submit its proposal to triple the number of inspectors, diplomats said.