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Bush free to take action without second resolution

US President George W. Bush warned Iraq on Friday that it would face "the severest consequences" if it defies the terms of a UN Security Council resolution requiring Baghdad to disarm.

"The resolution approved today presents the Iraqi regime with a test, a final test. Iraq must now without delay or negotiations fully disarm," he said.

Shortly after the Security Council gave unanimous approval to a resolution Bush called for on Sept. 12, the president used threatening language against Iraq during an appearance at the White House, saying the US will lead a coalition to disarm Iraq if it does not do so itself.

Bush said Iraqi President Saddam Hussein must make no attempt to negotiate the resolution's terms for allowing UN inspectors back into the country.

"His cooperation must be prompt and unconditional or he will face the severest consequences," said Bush, with Secretary of State Colin Powell standing beside him in the Rose Garden.

The 15-0 vote was a major victory for Bush, giving him international cover to carry out a tough policy against Baghdad if Saddam fails to get rid of any nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in his arsenal.

It came after the US president repeatedly ridiculed the UN that it risked becoming a "debating society" while warning Washington was prepared to act on its own.

Bush gave no sign that he felt obligated to return to the Security Council for approval of any military action should he judge it necessary.

The resolution leaves Washington free to attack Iraq without a second formal UN resolution authorizing the use of force. But it requires the Security Council to assess any serious violation that could lead to war.

"The United States has agreed to discuss any material breach with the Security Council, but without jeopardizing our freedom of action to defend our country," Bush said.

A senior Bush administration official said the United States would join any subsequent discussions with the Security Council on whether Iraq was in violation, but would not let a debate stop Washington from taking military action.

"Those discussions might produce another resolution or might not. And while those discussions are taking place, and the United States will be a part of those discussions, the president has not lost any of his authority at some point to say, you know, 'I've got to act, and who wants to act with us?'" the official said.

Fearing Saddam will attempt to confound UN weapons inspectors as he has in the past, Bush urged the Security Council not to "lapse into unproductive debates over whether specific instances of Iraqi noncompliance are serious. Any Iraqi noncompliance is serious."

"If we are to avert war, all nations must continue to pressure Saddam Hussein to accept this resolution and to comply with his obligations," he said.
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