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On 24 February 2003 the UK, the USA and Spain submitted a draft resolution to the Security Council. It was reproduced by the BBC as follows:
The Security Council:
Recalling all its previous relevant resolutions, in particular its resolutions 661 (1990) of August 1990, 678 (1990) of 29 November 1990, 686 (1991) of 2 March 1991, 687 (1991) of 3 April 1991, 688 (1991) of 5 April 1991, 707 (1991) of 15 August 1991, 715 (1991) of 11 October 1991, 986 (1995) of 14 April 1995, 1284 (1999) of 17 December 1999 and 1441 (2002) of 8 November 2002, and all the relevant statements of its president,
"Recalling that in its Resolution 687 (1991) the Council declared that a ceasefire would be based on acceptance by Iraq of the provisions of that resolution, including the obligations on Iraq contained therein,
"Recalling that its Resolution 1441 (2002), while acknowledging that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations, afforded Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions,
"Recalling that in its Resolution 1441 (2002) the Council decided that false statements or omissions in the declaration submitted by Iraq pursuant to that resolution and failure by Iraq at any time to comply with, and to cooperate fully in the implementation of that resolution would constitute a further material breach,
"Noting, in that context, that in its Resolution 1441 (2002), the Council recalled that it has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations,
"Noting that Iraq has submitted a declaration pursuant to its Resolution 1441 (2002) containing false statements and omissions and has failed to comply with, and cooperate fully in the implementation of that resolution,
"Reaffirming the commitment of all member states to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait and the neighbouring states,
"Mindful of its primary responsibility under the charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security,
"Recognising the threat of Iraq's non-compliance with Council resolutions and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles poses to international peace and security,
"Determined to secure full compliance with its decisions and to restore international peace and security in the area,
"Acting under Chapter VII of the charter of the United Nations,
"Decides that Iraq has failed to take the final opportunity afforded to it in Resolution 1441 (2002),
"Decides to remain seized of the matter."
This draft will be subject to discussions and debate in the Security Council. There is no set timetable for this. In order to be adopted it must gain nine affirmative votes out of the total of 15 members of the Security Council, and none of the permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK and the USA) must vote against. 5 March 2003
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