While the United States and Britain worked on a new resolution that would authorize military action in Iraq, many countries spoke out Tuesday against a rush to war and demanded more weapons inspections to disarm Baghdad peacefully. Speaking on behalf of 115 mainly developing countries in the Non-Aligned Movement, South Africa urged the Security Council to strengthen inspections and "redouble its efforts to bring about the peaceful resolution to the situation in Iraq."

The message from Friday's council briefing by top weapons inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei "is that the inspection process in Iraq is working and that Iraq is showing clear signs of cooperating more proactively with the inspectors," South Africa's U.N. Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo said.

The Non-Aligned Movement asked for the open council meeting to give countries that aren't on the 15-member council a chance to present their views on the Iraq crisis, and 60 signed up to speak on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Iran's U.N. ambassador, Javad Zarif, warned that war would produce "a nightmare scenario of death and destruction.

U.S. Ambassador John Negroponte said the United States wants to wait until after the open debate is completed to decide on "the timing and the precise contents" of a resolution.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw also spoke about discussions with U.S. officials about a possible second resolution.

High-level discussions were continuing in Washington and London on the text.

Australia's U.N. Ambassador John Dauth was the only speaker in the first dozen to give outright support for quick Security Council action.

Baghdad's U.N. ambassador, Mohammed Al-Douri, countered, "Iraq's record of compliance with Security Council resolutions is unprecedented." He reaffirmed the country's commitment "to continuing full and active cooperation" with inspectors.

Key Developments Concerning Iraq

*_In Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair said he believes public opinion would swing behind his government if it decides to take military action.

*_ Future EU members from eastern Europe endorsed a joint European declaration warning Saddam he has one last chance to disarm. Earlier, French President Jacques Chirac warned them their position could be "dangerous," because the parliaments of the 15 current EU nations still have to ratify the decision for 10 new members to join the bloc next year.

*_ U.N. inspectors revisited the Al Qa Qaa chemical and explosives production plant just south of Baghdad and the Harith Missile Maintenance Workshop, which maintains anti-aircraft missiles, Iraq's Information Ministry said. They also conducted a radiation survey at the Mansour State Company, which makes electronics parts for military and civilian use.

*_ The United Nations said it gave Iraq 48 hours notice before sending an American U-2 spy plane on its first flight over Iraqi territory in support of the U.N. search for weapons of mass destruction.

PHOTO CAPTION

India's ambassador to the United Nations Vijay Nambiar addresses the United Nations Security Council on the issue of weapons inspections and war in Iraq, February 18, 2003 in New York. REUTERS/Be