Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=11-6-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ RESOLUTION (S-O)

NUMBER=2-296165

BYLINE=ELAINE JOHANSON

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

///EDS: HOLDING SPOT UNTIL FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS///

INTRO: The United States presented the 15-member U-N Security Council today (Wednesday) with what it calls its final offer of a new, tough resolution on Iraq, giving Iraq a last chance to comply with U-N inspectors who are looking for weapons of mass destruction. V-O-A correspondent Elaine Johanson reports from U-N headquarters in New York:

TEXT: This third draft of the U-S resolution does not contain an explicit threat of force, but leaves room for military action. It declares Iraq in material breach of its obligations to disarm and warns of serious consequences should Iraq fail to meet them this time.

Under the resolution Iraq would have 30 days to disclose fully its programs for weapons of mass destruction. It demands unfettered access to all suspected weapons-related sites. And it says the inspectors, who have been out of Iraq for almost four years, should resume inspections no later than 45 days after adoption of the resolution, and must update the Security Council on the results two months later.

The resolution also specifies that the Council should convene immediately upon hearing of any failure by Iraq to cooperate to decide on how to force compliance.

The question now is whether Russia, France and China, all key members of the Council, will accept the new resolution or demand further changes. In any case, Washington is pressing for a vote later this week. (signed)

NEB/UN/EJ/MAR