World News ‘SADDAM' DAY AT U.N. By DEBORAH ORIN

November 8, 2002 -- The clock starts ticking for Saddam Hussein today as the U.N. Security Council finally heads for a vote on a tough resolution ordering him to give up all weapons of mass death - or else.

The resolution sets a stiff timeline that could bring a showdown in February - or a lot sooner if Saddam is defiant right from the start.

President Bush said weeks of U.N. diplomacy are now coming "to fruition" and pointedly warned that America is ready "to move swiftly with force" to disarm Saddam if he balks.

"Should we have to use troops, should it become a necessity in order to disarm him, the United States, with friends, will move swiftly with force to do the job," Bush told a news conference yesterday.

"You don't have to worry about that. We will do - we will do - we will do what it takes militarily to succeed."

Mexico's foreign minister said there's a 95 percent probability of a unanimous U.N. Security Council vote in favor of the latest U.S.-British resolution - at least 14 of the 15 votes with Syria possibly abstaining.

France and Russia have been obstacles in the past but France yesterday confirmed it's now on board after Bush spoke by phone to French President Jacques Chirac and Russian President Vladimir Putin - and Russia voiced no public objections.

Syria is pressing to get the vote postponed until next week but U.S. officials last night said they believe it will come today.

The resolution sets a timetable that would start today if the resolution is passed. Saddam gets just seven days to say if he accepts the terms.

He'd have 30 days from today to provide a full list of mass-murder weapons. Weapons inspectors must start work within 45 days from today and report back to the U.N. Security Council within 60 days after that - a total of 31/2 months.

But the inspectors must immediately report problems at any time - and that could trigger a speedy showdown.

A "yes" vote would be a triumph for Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell after nearly two months of agonizing diplomacy since the president's Sept. 12 speech calling for the world body to act within weeks, not months.

It would strengthen Bush's hand and place far greater pressure on Saddam to comply - and it would also buttress the president's support at home where polls show many Americans would feel more comfortable about acting with U.N. support.

Bush stressed he won't have to order military action. "War is not my first choice - it's my last choice. But nevertheless, it is a - it is an option in order to make the world a more peaceful place . . . I hope this can be done peacefully. It's up to Saddam Hussein."

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2002