US, Britain and Spain propose March 17th deadline for Iraq

The United States, Britain and Spain yesterday proposed a March 17th ultimatum for Iraq to show full co-operation with UN disarmament demands or face an American-led invasion, writes Conor O'Clery, North America Editor, at the United Nations The deadline will be added to an amended resolution that originally stated that Iraq had missed its last chance to disarm, and will be put to a vote in the UN Security Council next week, probably on Tuesday. …

…of inspection when they are proving their value?" He added: "France will not allow a resolution to pass that authorises the automatic use of military force. To those who believe that war would be the quickest way to disarm Iraq, I would reply that it will drive a wedge and inflict wounds that will be long in healing." Chinese Foreign Minister Mr Tang Jiaxuan said: "There is no reason to shut the door to peace."