October 16, 2002	Wednesday	Sha’aban 9, 1423

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 15: A majority of the 15-member UN Security Council remain unconvinced that authorizing use of force against Iraq in the first resolution is a viable solution to force Baghdad to submit to a stringent inspections regime.

Diplomats said on Tuesday that they believe a US resolution with a language that could authorize force would likely be opposed by France, Russia, China, Syria, Ireland, Mexico, Cameroon, Guinea and probably Mauritius - which means it would get a maximum of only six or seven “yes” votes.

For any resolution to pass, at least nine votes are needed.

“So far the US has not been able to convince majority of the council members that the best approach to make Iraq submit to inspections is the threat of force,” said one diplomat.

France, which is leading the discussions on a draft resolution, insists that there be two resolutions on Iraq _ one seeking stringent and formidable inspections regime and the other one threatening use of force if Baghdad fails to abide by the first resolution.