It’s Saddam’s last chance.
The United States took a final, revamped version of its Iraq resolution to the United Nations yesterday, but the bottom line was the same: Saddam Hussein must allow tough new weapons inspections or face “consequences.”
The draft resolution, which is likely to be voted on Friday, has changed significantly since it was introduced last month. While it offers some concessions to critics, it would authorize the United States to take military action without a second resolution.
According to the draft, Saddam will get “a final opportunity” to comply with U.N. inspectors. If he cooperates, sanctions against his country could be lifted.
“We believe that this is a resolution that deserves consensus support,” said U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte, adding that he wants a vote “by week’s end.”
Negroponte’s spokesman added that the new draft “calls for inspections any time, any place, with no more exceptions.”
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan attended Wednesday’s council meeting and said he hoped the council would speak “with one voice.”
“I would prefer to see a unanimous decision, 15-0,” he said.