Russia, France counter new U.S. proposal with draft of their ow

UNITED NATIONS -- Russia and France challenged the new U.S. resolution on Iraq Friday, introducing rival proposals eliminating tough U.S. language that they fear could authorize military force. But President Bush insisted a new resolution must have "consequences."

The circulation of rival Russian and French texts was seen as the opening salvo in a new round of negotiations in the divided U.N. Security Council, which is under U.S. pressure to adopt a strong Iraq resolution.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador James Cunningham said Washington wants a vote by the end of next week.

The United States responded to the new texts by formally submitting its resolution to the Security Council to ensure it remains the basis for discussion. The Russian and French proposals could also be introduced, but the U.S. move meant its resolution would likely be voted on first.

At the end of more than four hours of closed-door consultations Friday, many council members said they wanted consensus on a single resolution. Serious differences remain, however, over how tough that resolution should be.

Russia, Iraq's closest council ally, circulated a text eliminating all U.S. references to "material breach" and "serious consequences" -- language it says could trigger a military attack if Iraq obstructs inspections.

It would also ignore nearly all U.S. proposals to broaden the powers of weapons inspectors.