Iraq 'ready to defend itself' against US

The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Tariq Aziz, has repeated that Iraq is ready to defend itself against military attack by the United States.

Reacting to comments by President Clinton that Washington would consider other options if Baghdad continued to obstruct United Nations weapons inspectors, Mr Aziz said it was clear the United states was isolated and did not enjoy international support for military action against Iraq.

Mr Aziz repeated that Iraq would not allow United Nations inspectors into President Saddam Hussein's palaces.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service