The British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, says Britain wants to find a diplomatic solution to the confrontation between the UN and Iraq.

Speaking to Parliament in London, Mr Cook said, however, that all options remained open in an attempt to resolve the current crisis.

Mr Cook said that Saddam Hussein appeared to be gambling that the world would grow weary of his constant evasion and his repeated confrontation, but Britain and its allies must be ready and resolute to prove him wrong.