France claimed a first round victory over the US in the battle over a UN resolution on Iraq, saying its new proposal has more support because it eliminates tough US language that could trigger the use of military force.
But the US insisted that the American draft has equal backing -- if not more.
The decision by France and Russia to introduce their own proposals and challenge the new US draft resolution Friday suddenly put three documents into the hands of Security Council members and set the stage for a tense final round of negotiations.
The rival documents reflect the division among the five veto-wielding permanent council members, who could not resolve their differences over a new approach to Iraq during six weeks of negotiations and are now putting their dispute before the 15-member council.
The US, backed by Britain, wants tough new rules for UN weapons inspections and a declaration that Iraq faces "serious consequences" if it fails to comply.
Russia, Iraq's closest council ally, wants to stick as closely as possible to current inspection rules and eliminate any language that could be used to attack Baghdad.
France, which sees itself as a possible broker between Washington and Moscow, opposes any language that would possibly authorize military action and would water-down some US inspection proposals.
With the White House demanding quick UN action, US deputy ambassador James Cunningham made clear that the US wants a vote by the end of next week on its resolution. Diplomats said the vote will almost certainly take place by Thursday, the last day of Cameroon's presidency of the council.
The US responded to the rival texts by formally submitting its resolution to the Security Council Friday to ensure it remains the basis for discussion. The Russian and French proposals could also be introduced, but the US move meant its resolution would likely be voted on first.
US President George W. Bush said Friday he would not accept a weak resolution.
Bush spurred the debate over a new resolution with his Sept. 12 address to the UN General Assembly warning that if the Security Council didn't act decisively to disarm Saddam Hussein, the US would take action on its own. A few days later, Iraq announced it would allow UN weapons inspectors to return after nearly four years.
Iraq's Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, in a letter to Secretary-General Kofi Annan circulated Friday, accused Washington of delaying the arrival of inspectors and fomenting war.
On Friday, the Security Council held its first discussion of the three proposals behind closed doors.
After the meeting, French diplomats said their proposal had the support of eight of the 15 member: Mexico, Cameroon, Guinea, Ireland, Mauritius, France, China and Russia. Syria opposes any new resolution.
"It's a good day for us," a French diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We think our text should be a good compromise. We think it's possible."
But a US official countered that the American resolution had the most support.
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