A new month-long ultimatum will be put forward to Saddam Hussein on Tuesday, February 25. Under the joint British-American ‘last chance‘ resolution, the Iraqi leader will be given three weeks time to present proof of disarmament, or face a military strike.
The 15-nation United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on the resolution after March 7, as soon as it is handed the latest report by Chief Arms Inspector Hans Blix. UN nuclear weapons inspector Mohamed Al-aradei stated that Iraq was still not providing full cooperation with UN inspection teams, but that war was not inevitable.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell stated during a visit to East Asia: “It is time to take action. The evidence is clear, they (Iraq) are guilty.” Although the Bush administration claims it has all the proof it needs to launch an attack, the new resolution will seek the backing of the international community for the use of force against Iraq.
The US hopes to begin deploying its troops and military equipment in Turkey before March, although its reluctant ally has not yet officially approved the move. American and Turkish officials did however confirm that a tentative aid agreement has been reached on the provision of some five billion dollars in grants, as well as another $10 billion in loan guarantees. — (Albawaba.com)
