Iraq labels new draft resolution as 'insult' to U.N.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq sharply denounced a new U.S. draft Security Council resolution that warns of "serious consequences" if Iraq fails to cooperate with weapons inspectors, saying Tuesday the draft is tantamount to a declaration of war.

Iraqi state television said in a commentary that "each point of that draft resolution can be used to announce war in a way that threatens the security and safety of the world."

The U.S. draft resolution on Iraq, written with British support, includes references to "material breach" of U.N. resolutions and "serious consequences" -- language some feel could authorize military action if President Saddam Hussein fails to comply with U.N. weapons inspectors.

The Iraqi television commentary said "President Bush is talking about war, killing, destruction and the use of oppressive power as if he is talking about a pleasant journey."

It called on "the international community to defend itself and reject the resolution."

Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri has said the U.S. draft resolution "is in fact an insult to the United Nations" and it "can be described as ... a declaration of war not only on Iraq but also on the United Nations because this draft resolution undermines the basic principles of the United Nations Charter."