"The draft could be released as soon as this week, (or) it could be next week" said Fleischer

WASHINGTON, February 18 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) – As U.S. President George W. Bush ratcheted up the rhetoric of war on Iraq on Tuesday, February 18, American officials said Washington is to submit a "very tough" draft resolution to the Security Council declaring Iraq to be in further material breach of U.N. demands.

Calling Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a "threat" to the United States, Bush told reporters "we will deal with him."

"We are working with our friends and allies to see if we can get a second resolution," BBC News Online quoted Bush as saying.

He, however, reiterated that that U.N. backing, though useful, was not necessary.

This came shortly after White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Washington may unveil as early as this week a new U.N. draft resolution authorizing force against Iraq, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

"The draft could be released as soon as this week, (or) it could be next week. It would be relatively simple, ... not very lengthy," said Fleischer.

American Has An Eye on Iraqi Oil

The White House spokesman further said that Iraq's oil wealth would go a long way toward reconstruction efforts following any military action to oust the ruling regime.

"Iraq, unlike Afghanistan, is a rather wealthy country. Iraq has tremendous resources that belong to the Iraqi people," said Fleischer, adding this means they can "shoulder much of the burden for their own reconstruction."

The spokesman claimed that Saddam's removal would lead to a lifting of international sanctions against Iraq, which would be able to trade freely on world markets, noting that the U.S. was committed to "the long-term stability of Iraq."

"We will stay in Iraq as long as necessary, not one day longer, but as long as necessary to make certain that the transition in Iraq is a transition to a unified and peaceful Iraq," said Fleischer.

"The cost of leaving Saddam Hussein in power far exceeds the cost of anything that might involve the disarmament and the reconstruction of Iraq," he alleged.

No Rush to War: Blair

Key Bush ally British Prime Minister Tony Blair insisted there was "no rush to war" and that he still wants a second U.N. resolution.

However, France, China and Russia - all veto-wielding permanent members of the Security Council alongside the United States and Britain - remained united in favor of allowing U.N. inspections to continue their mission in Iraq.

Also Tuesday, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan warned Iraq to respect its obligations to the U.N. Security Council.

"War is not inevitable and pressure must be brought to bear for a peaceful solution, but that does not mean that Iraq need not respect its obligations," Annan said.

The U.N. chief also said there was no "time limit" for Iraqi compliance, adding: "The inspectors will go ahead with their work until the Council decides otherwise."