Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (S) (CQ)

TITLE=UN / IRAQ

NUMBER=2-300792

BYLINE=JENNY BADNER

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

/// re-sending to reflect that security is holding consultations ///

INTRO: The United Nations Security Council holds what could be a final effort to end the Iraqi crisis through diplomacy in closed-door consultations today (Monday). Correspondent Jenny Badner reports from the United Nations that the United States, Britain and Spain now say they will not press for a council vote on a new resolution, which would have faced a veto by France and Russia.

TEXT : President Bush has called Monday the moment of truth for the United Nations Security Council.

The 15-member Council are holding closed-door emergency consultations in addition to a previously scheduled meeting with chief U-N weapons inspector Hans Blix.

Mr. Blix had been expected to brief the Council on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but that agenda is likely to have changed. The United States has advised inspectors in Iraq to pack their bags and leave the country.

Neither side in the diplomatic crisis has indicated willingness to compromise as the Council remains deadlocked on the next step to take in the crisis.

The United States, Britain and Spain announced today that they will not ask the council to vote on a draft resolution that sets a deadline of today for Iraq to disarm. The resolution would have faced a certain veto from France and possibly other permanent council members.

Meanwhile, Germany has joined permanent Council members France and Russia, backed by China in presenting a proposal to give weapons inspections 30-more days to do their job. (SIGNED)

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