“Neither the proposed USA/UK resolution nor the latest Franco/German/Russian plan offer a credible way forward to resolve the situation,” he said.

“The USA/UK resolution is too blunt to be likely to gain the support of the Security Council, while the 5-month deadline proposed in the Franco/German/Russian plan is simply too long to be any form of disincentive for Iraq to heed the UN resolutions.

“What is needed,” said Mr Dunne, “is a resolution that spells out clearly the view that Iraq is in material breach of Security Council resolution 1441 and that it can expect the UN to mandate the use of force against Iraq to disarm, unless it complies with the provisions of resolution 1441 within 28 days.”

Ends

Contact: Ted Sheehan Chief Press Secretary Tel: 04 470 6985 Cell: 021 638 920