UN The US ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson, told American television the Iraqi president was dreaming if he thought sanctions would be removed before Baghdad complied with all UN resolutions. Mr Richardson described the Iraqi leader, his government and his country as a threat to the whole international community.

He also repeated Washington's desire to see a diplomatic solution to the crisis, though he again warned that patience was wearing thin and military action still an option. Significantly, though, Mr Richardson did not link the lifting of sanctions to the removal of President Saddam Hussein himself.