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UK sets Saddam cooperation tests
LONDON, England -- Britain will push for a set of benchmarks that Iraq must meet to prove it is disarming if it wants to avoid attack, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Wednesday. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the tests would include a televised pledge in Arabic from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein that he will get rid of banned weapons he has been hiding. Details of the planned resolution London is hoping to draw up have emerged as U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld hinted that the U.S. would be prepared to go to war alone. The Bush administration believes that it is now only one vote away from a Security Council majority on a resolution setting a March 17 deadline for Iraqi compliance, according to a senior U.S. State Department official. In London -- where Blair is facing resignation threats from his ministers should war be declared without U.N. support -- intense efforts were continuing Wednesday to secure the resolution. However, Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said the U.S.-backed resolution on Iraq may be withdrawn because of France's threatened veto. A Foreign Ministry official later played down Palacio's remarks, saying she was talking about a hypothetical situation. Under the "Iraqi tests" proposal being drawn up by London, Iraq must either produce its anthrax stockpiles or provide documentation showing they have been destroyed, and turn over any aircraft or equipment with the capability of spraying chemicals, Blair told MPs. Later, Straw told reporters: "Each of these tests is demanding but eminently deliverable. We are working as hard as we possibly can to secure a second resolution." Blair said Britain and its allies were trying to draw up a resolution setting out "a very clear set of tests for Iraq to meet in order to demonstrate that it is in full compliance." A new proposed resolution on Iraq makes Monday the deadline for Saddam to disarm, but officials in London are considering extending that deadline so Iraq can meet the benchmarks for compliance. Blair told MPs: "I believe it's important that we hold firm to the course. What's at stake here is not whether the United States goes alone, but whether the international community backs up clear instructions [to Iraq] with necessary action. "I think there is a real threat to this country...and if we do not deal with him, our country and our world will be a less safe place." Blair added that he would do everything possible to achieve a second U.N. resolution -- a follow-up to Resolution 1441 which enabled weapons inspectors to restart their work in Iraq. Domestically Blair is facing increasing pressure from anti-war forces within his own Labour Party and opinion polls showing the British public wants U.N. sanction for military action. Internationally the UK, U.S. and allies like Spain are trying to win over France, China and Russia -- three nations who have the crucial power of veto over any resolution put before the U.N. Security Council. Going soloRumsfeld raised the idea Tuesday that America might be prepared to go to war against Iraq without Britain. He said: "I think until we know what the resolution is, we won't know the answer as to what their role will be. "To the extent they are able to participate -- in the event that the president decides to use force -- that would obviously be welcomed. To the extent they're not, there are work-arounds." His words prompted a flurry of phone calls between London and Washington and Rumsfeld later issued a statement clarifying his remarks. "In the event that a decision to use force is made, we have every reason to believe there will be a significant military contribution from the UK," he said. However, observers say Rumsfeld's comments highlight Blair's precarious position. Rumsfeld's words were seized on by leading rebel Labour member of parliament Graham Allen, who urged Blair to seize the "heaven sent" opportunity to avoid further conflict with his party. CNN's European Political Editor Robin Oakley said: "Rumsfeld was trying to show consideration for Tony Blair's political difficulties at home, but by suggesting the Americans might go ahead without British participation, he has just redoubled the effort of all Blair's critics in his own party, who are now saying there is an exit strategy." For latest developments, see CNN.com's Iraq Tracker.
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