| Britain wants UN backing for a war
The divided United Nations Security Council is preparing for an open debate on the Iraq crisis, which could see US-led military action begin within days.
British diplomats are suggesting possible amendments to a proposed new resolution on Iraq, to avoid what BBC correspondents say looks like an inevitable defeat in the Security Council.
The ideas include extending the deadline for Iraq to disarm beyond the current proposal of 17 March, or putting down a series of benchmarks by which Iraq can be judged.
The waverers are looking for some assurance that the resolution would not automatically authorise war, but Washington says it does not want any further excuse for delay and is insisting that a vote will take place this week.
Russia and France have made it clear that they will veto any resolution that gives the green light for war.
UK PROPOSALS
Deadline, possibly 10 days, for Iraq to make strategic decision to disarm
17 March deadline to be postponed
Destruction of banned weapons
Evidence of previous claims of destroyed weapons
Interviews with Iraqi scientists abroad
Analysis: Salvaging the diplomatic wreckage
Meanwhile, a senior US defence official reported that two Iraqi fighter planes had been scrambled on Tuesday while two U-2 spy planes supporting UN inspections were in the air, forcing US air traffic controllers to bring them back.
And in Baghdad, UN weapons inspectors have given a fresh progress report on their work.
Spokesman Hiro Ueki, said the Iraqis were continuing to destroy more of their al-Samoud II missiles, banned by previous UN resolutions.
Asked about Iraqi "drone" aircraft, he confirmed that three of the pilotless planes had been discovered - one of which, he said, had a wider wing span than was permitted UN rules.
"We need to investigate whether this particular drone is capable of flying beyond the permitted 150km range, and whether it has the capability of carrying chemical and biological weapons," he told reporters. | |
