United Nations: Intense consultations at diplomatic and political levels are on at the United Nations and in capitals, on the US proposal for a new resolution on Iraq to arm weapons inspectors with tough powers and demand the disarming of Baghdad.

Diplomats said influential Security Council members, including Britain, are pressing Washington to ensure that the final version of the draft is acceptable to most of them, especially the permanent members.

A resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in the 15-member council provided there is no veto. The US, Britain, France, Russia and China have veto power.

While backing the American administration on the issue, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, said he is aware of strong opposition at home, including in his party and cabinet, to unilateral action against Iraq without the approval of the council.

In addition to it is the position of several other members, including Saudi Arabia, that they would support any military action only if authorised by the council.

No one is hazarding a guess when the resolution would be ready with speculation in the United Nations' corridor ranging from before the end of the week to sometime next week.

The US is for a new resolution that should ask Iraq to give unfettered access to the weapons inspectors and also contain provision for military action if Baghdad fails to comply.

PTI