Bush, after talks with Blair, says he might back new UN resolution on Iraq.

(From Agence France Presse)

US President George W. Bush said he might welcome a new UN resolution on Iraq, after meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as the chief UN weapons inspector considered an invitation Baghdad.

But Bush warned that "any attempt to drag the process on for months will be resisted by the United States," and he reiterated his view that a UN disarmament resolution, passed in November already authorizes the use of force.

"Should the United Nations decide to pass a second resolution, it would be welcome if it is yet another signal that we're intent upon disarming Saddam Hussein," Bush told a White House press conference with Blair.

"But 1441 gives us the authority to move without any second resolution," Bush said, referring to the UN Security Council motion adopted on November 8 that warns of "serious consequences" if Iraq fails to disarm.

Blair said "time is running out" because Saddam is in breach of that resolution. The British leader called for a second resolution to reaffirm the global will to strip Iraq of any chemical, biological or nuclear arms.

"What is important is that the international community comes together again and makes it absolutely clear that this is unacceptable," said Blair, who scrambled this week to shore up slintering European support in the showdown with Saddam.