Iraq weighs U.N. resolution

Saddam has till Nov. 15 to comply or face 'serious consequences'

All 15 member states of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution.

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WHAT NEXT? Deadlines for steps Iraq must take to be in full compliance with U.N. demands: November 15: Iraq must confirm its intention to comply with the resolution. December 8: Iraq must provide a "currently accurate, full, and complete declaration" of any weapons of mass destruction program. December 23: Weapons inspections must resume. February 21: Inspectors must report back to the Security Council. RELATED • Iraq: U.N. resolution unjust  • International reactions: Russia hails 'optimum solution'  • Time.com: What if Saddam complies?  • CNN Access: A modern-day blitzkrieg?  VIDEO CNN's Garrick Utley ask the question whether or not Iraq could in fact exist as a democracy if Saddam is toppled (November 8) PLAY VIDEO CNN's Brian Cabell examines the Christian viewpoint of war and whether religious organizations believe the U.S should attack Iraq (November 7). PLAY VIDEO SPECIAL REPORT •  War Tracker •  On the Scene Map •  Commanders: U.S. | Iraq •  Weapons: 3D Models •  Coalition casualties | POW/MIA •  Special Report

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- President Bush said Saturday that the U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for Iraq to destroy its weapons of mass destruction and provide unrestricted access to U.N. weapons inspectors presents a "final test" to the regime of Saddam Hussein.

"The world has now come together to say that the outlaw regime in Iraq will not be permitted to build or possess chemical, biological or nuclear weapons," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "And my administration will see to it that the world's judgment is enforced."

Iraqi leaders were studying Saturday the resolution unanimously passed by the U.N. Security Council.

Iraqi News Agency reported that it was informed by an authorized official that "despite the fact the Security Council Resolution 1441 that was issued is a bad and unjust resolution, the leadership in Iraq is calmly studying the resolution and will issue the proper response in the next few days."

Iraq has until November 15 to agree to the United Nations' demand for its inspectors or face "serious consequences." ( Text of resolution)

"Iraq will certainly study the resolution and decide whether we can accept it or not," Iraqi Ambassador to the U.N. Mohammed Al-Douri told The Associated Press. (More Iraqi reaction)

U.S. envoy: Iraq will disarm 'one way or another'

The vote by the Security Council on Friday was a culmination of U.S. efforts to win international backing for stripping Saddam Hussein of weapons of mass destruction.

The Bush administration reiterated its position that although it would consult with the Security Council, it is not required to get U.N. approval for U.S.-led military action if Iraq fails to comply.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Negroponte said Iraq will be disarmed "one way or another."

"If the Security Council fails to act decisively in the event of further Iraqi violations this resolution does not constrain any member state from acting to defend itself against the threat posed by Iraq or to enforce relevant United Nations resolutions and protect world peace and security," Negroponte said.

Immediately following the vote, U.S. President George W. Bush said Iraq would face "the severest consequences" if it fails to comply with the resolution. "If we're to avert war, all nations must continue to pressure Saddam Hussein to accept this resolution and to comply with his obligations." (Bush statement)

U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld also said the United States will continue to work with the Iraqi opposition to prepare for the possibility of a future without Saddam.

"We will also continue developing humanitarian relief and reconstruction plans for a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq," the defense secretary said.

Chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix wasted no time Friday in announcing his intention to begin work in Iraq. "We are planning to go to Baghdad on Monday the 18th of this month, so it will be within seven to 10 days that we have planned," he told reporters.

Mideast 'doesn't need a new war'

As Iraq considered its response, Saeb Erakat, chief Palestinian negotiator, said Saturday that the recent U.N. Security Council resolution should not be a "prelude to war" in the Middle East.

"War should not be an option," Erakat told CNN from his offices in Jericho. "The international community should start to solve this matter through peaceful means. The Middle East region doesn't need a new war."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking from his London residence at 10 Downing Street, said that the world community had chosen "disarmament through the U.N., with force as a last resort." (More on international reactions)

Iraq is accused of possessing nuclear, biological and chemical weapons -- in violation of the cease-fire treaty it signed when Baghdad lost the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz has repeatedly denied possessing such weapons.

View from Iraq

In Iraq, an article in al-Thawra ("Revolution"), the newspaper of the ruling Baath Party, said: "It is not in Iraq's interest to ignore or contravene Security Council resolutions, as others do."

Observers say the comments in al-Thawra indicate that despite its objections, the Iraqi government recognizes the resolution as its last opportunity to avert war and will likely accept it.

In the past, Iraq has said no new Security Council resolution was needed.

Nevertheless, there was widespread belief among Iraqi leaders and people on the street that war is inevitable -- that the U.S. goal is not to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, but to topple its leader and seize its oil.

CNN Baghdad Bureau Chief Jane Arraf contributed to this report.

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