World News 08-11-2002 UN Votes On Saddam Ultimatum who: George W Bush what: Says it`s time for the "civilised world" to act together to disarm Saddam Hussein where: Washington DC when: Yesterday snippet: The United Nations Security Council will vote on a US draft resolution for disarming Iraq today," reports the BBC. "The 15-strong body is due to assemble at 1000 in New York (1500 GMT) after two months of negotiation over the terms of the resolution." The resolution "will give an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein that will lead to his political emasculation if he complies," says The Independent`s Anne Penketh, "or the crushing of his regime by military means if he does not." "After two months of intense negotiations, the text presented by the US with British approval on Wednesday makes several concessions to the French, Russian and Chinese positions," explains The Guardian, "by stating that Iraq is being given `a final opportunity` to comply with its obligations." President George W Bush, "buoyed by his mid-term election triumph", expressed confidence that the resolution would "bring the civilised world together to disarm Saddam Hussein," says The Times. "Hopefully we can do this peacefully," he said. "Don’t get me wrong. War is not my first choice. It is my last choice. But nevertheless it is an option... If he is not going to disarm, we’ll disarm him, in order to make the world a more peaceful place." "Chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix said an advance party from his Unmovic team could be in Baghdad within 10 days of the resolution being passed," says The Evening Standard. [... more]

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