CRAWFORD (Texas), Feb 22: US President George W. Bush said on Saturday that a new Iraq resolution to be unveiled early next week will be the United Nations’ last chance to show it is willing to disarm Saddam Hussein.

Asked during a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar at his ranch here whether the new measure will be the world body’s final opportunity, Bush curtly replied “Yes. ‘Si.’ Last chance.”

“Early next week, working with our friends and allies, we will introduce an additional Security Council resolution that will set out in clear and simple terms that Iraq is not complying with Resolution 1441,” he announced.

The US leader warned he would not be willing to wait two months — roughly the amount of time needed to win passage of that Nov 8 UN disarmament ultimatum — for the UN Security Council to approve the measure.

“No,” he said in response to a reporter’s question. “Time is short. And this is the chance for the Security Council to show its relevance, and I believe the Security Council will show its relevance because Saddam Hussein has not disarmed.”

“We will discuss this resolution with members of the Security Council and we will hear again from Chief (UN weapons) Inspector (Hans) Blix,” said Mr Bush.

“During these final deliberations, there is but one question for the Council to address: Is Saddam Hussein complying with Resolution 1441? That resolution did not ask for hints of progress or minor concessions. It demanded full and immediate disarmament. That, and that alone, is the issue before the Council.”—AFP