UNITED NATIONS — The Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution today that gives Iraq a “final opportunity” to comply with disarmament resolutions and establish a rigorous regiment of inspections, giving United Nations inspectors immediate access to any site they want in Iraq. President Bush called the resolution a “final test” of Saddam Hussein’s willingness to disarm, saying the Iraqi president’s response must be “prompt and unconditional, or he will face the severest consequences.”

“Any act of delay or defiance will be an additional breach of Iraq’s international obligations, and a clear signal that the Iraqi regime has once again abandoned the path of voluntary compliance,” Mr. Bush said in the White House Rose Garden.

The president praised the United Nations for meeting its leadership responsibilities, but warned the Council the United States would be monitoring the weapons inspections and expected a strong and swift response to any Iraqi violation.

“The outcome of the current crisis is already determined: the full disarmament of Iraq will occur,” Mr. Bush said. “The only question for the Iraqi regime to decide is how. The United States prefers that Iraq meet its obligations voluntarily, yet we are prepared for the alternative.”

Iraq had no immediate response.

(via New York Times)