The United Nations Security Council found Iraq in continuing
material breach of its obligations and made clear this was Iraq's final
opportunity to comply. We are very far from that point today.
The chemical warheads found by United Nations inspectors were
not on the declared list of weapons submitted by Iraq just one month
ago. The fact that Iraq is in possession of undeclared chemical
warheads, which the UN says are in excellent condition, is troubling
and serious.
Under the UN resolution, Saddam Hussein has an obligation to
disarm. It is becoming increasingly clear that he is not doing so.
Time is running out on Iraq's chance to disarm peacefully. We
know what a genuine effort to disarm looks like. We have seen it, for
example, in South Africa's renunciation of nuclear arms and the
dismantlement of its program.
What we are seeing from Iraq is not disarmament, but
dissembling. The UN must not veer off the course unanimously agreed on
November 8. Immediate action is required by Iraq or those who seek to
uphold UN mandates will be forced to act.
The President is continuing to work and consult with our
allies. The inspectors are doing their job, but it is not the
inspectors' obligation to provide verifiable evidence of disarmament.
That is Iraq's responsibility.
The use of military force is America's last option. Yet if
force becomes necessary to secure our country and to keep the peace,
America will act deliberately, America will act decisively, and America
will prevail.