U.S. proposal calls for new inspection powers with security or military support

The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS - A toughly worded U.S. draft proposal on Iraq would give U.N. inspectors broad new powers to hunt for weapons of mass destruction and provide them with military backing to carry out the search.

According to the 3 1/2-page draft resolution obtained yesterday, the Security Council would give Iraq 30 days to compile a "complete declaration of all aspects of its program to develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons."

If any "false statements or omissions," are made in the declaration, member states would be authorized to "use all necessary means to restore international peace and security in the area," diplomatic language permitting military force.

The U.S. proposal has not been submitted formally to the Security Council, or even shown to the majority of its 15 members. Key elements of the U.S. draft face deep opposition from Russia, China and France - three veto-holding council members who say the are not ready to authorize force before inspectors have time to test Iraq's willingness to comply.

But U.S. diplomats welcomed signs that all three were ready for some compromise that would empower the inspectors and speed-up a timetable for Iraqi compliance.

Working a two-track approach on Iraq at the United Nations and at home yesterday, President Bush said the use of force against Iraq "may become unavoidable" if President Saddam Hussein refuses to disarm. He issued his threat after House leaders agreed to give Bush authority to oust Saddam. A top Senate Democrat suggested the plan might win Senate support as well.

If the American draft resolution at the United Nations is passed in its current form, it would give U.N. inspectors sweeping powers and could authorize a foreign military presence in Iraq to enforce the resolution.