Britain said on Monday it would be prepared to modify a draft resolution authorizing war against Iraq.
Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman told reporters that London and Washington would consider setting out a timetable of detailed disarmament moves for Saddam Hussein to fulfil by a March 17 deadline in order to avoid war and possibly extending the deadline for compliance.
"The idea of putting key tests to key periods where Saddam needs to comply is one being floated by some other council members," he said.
"We are considering detailed indicators which would outline what Saddam has to do before next Monday's deadline."
The spokesman suggested the deadline, set by Britain and the United States in an amended resolution, could be extended although not by much.
"March 17 is the only date down in the resolution. If other colleagues have other ideas we will listen to them," he said.
"My hunch is that it will be later this week rather than earlier," Blair's spokesman said of the U.N. vote. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
