German Foreign Minister Mr Joschka Fischer said today he was deeply sceptical about a British proposal to give Iraq an ultimatum for disarming, saying it would quickly lead to war.
Mr Fischer, speaking to reporters ahead of a key UN Security Council meeting, said the British proposal for a second UN resolution contained an early ultimatum and would require the UN to give a positive assessment of Iraq's disarmament to avoid war.
"Both elements would in the very short term lead to military action, that's why we view it with very, very great scepticism," Mr Fischer told reporters.
Mr Fischer was speaking ahead of a key report on Iraq to be delivered by chief UN arms inspector Dr Hans Blix to the Security Council at 3.30 p.m. Irish time.
British Foreign Secretary Mr Jack Straw said Washington and London were prepared to amend a resolution to give Iraq up to seven days to disarm after its adoption.