The United Nations says it has evidence to suggest that Iraq may still be hiding forbidden weapons at so-called presidential sites.

The UN's chief weapons inspector, Richard Butler, said that whilst the UN could not be totally sure, Iraq's continued refusal to allow inspection teams into some areas has increased suspicion that it still has something to hide.

Saddam Hussein has refused to allow UN inspectors into presidential palaces

Whilst a group of journalists were recently shown around a number of palaces, including president Saddam Hussein's main residence in Baghdad, Iraq still insists that the UN's weapons inspectors will never be given access.

As a result, the lines of confrontation between the UN and Iraq are more sharply drawn than ever.

As before, the security council is also divided over how it should respond.

Whilst the United States and Britain say that Iraq must allow unconditional access, the other three main powers (Russia, France and China) take a more sympathetic approach.

The Council will meet again next week and for now at least the United States is still prepared to give diplomacy a chance.

But senior US officials are also indicating that their patience is not infinite and that military action remains a real possibility.
 

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