In a preview of a debate on Wednesday, South Africa, head of the 130-member Non-Aligned Movement of developing nations, said the world should solve the Iraqi crisis without resorting to force. Dumisani Kumalo, South Africa's U.N. ambassador, told a news conference that an attack on Iraq would have serious implications and the 15-nation Security Council should think twice before entering into "uncharted territory."

"We welcome the announcement by Iraq to allow the return of the U.N. weapons inspectors without any conditions," he said on Tuesday. "This offers the prospect for a peaceful resolution."

Kumalo, whose country holds the current Non-Aligned Movement chairmanship, requested a meeting to debate the Iraq crisis, even before the United States has introduced a Security Council resolution.

Dozens of ambassadors are expected to address the council in marathon sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Some council members speculated the United States would introduce its resolution soon but others said next week was more likely.

So far there is no agreement among the five permanent council members with veto power on the U.S.-drafted resolution that would allow Washington to use force when it deems Iraq has violated terms of the new measure.

France has become the pivotal player in wanting the resolution changed to allow inspectors to do their work first, report any difficulties and then have the Security Council decide on military force.

But the Bush administration wants one resolution and would only consider two if the first one still gave them legal cover to make its own judgement about when Iraq has not complied with the new resolution and then use military force.

"We're still stuck," a key council diplomat said.

Britain, which helped the United States draw up its resolution, would back two council votes if requirements for Iraqi disarmament were tougher than those France has proposed, diplomats said.

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw conferred with Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington on Tuesday on the resolution after near daily telephone calls among foreign ministers of the five council members with veto power -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. Both Russia and China have backed France.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, after talking to French President Jacques Chirac, told reporters that Chirac "for the time being refuses any resolution that would have an automatic right to intervene if it is believed that Saddam Hussein does not respond to the various conditions."

PHOTO CAPTION

Iraqi schoolboys demonstrate during a referendum October 15, 2002 which is set to grant Saddam Hussein another seven-year term in Baghdad October. Defiant Iraqis lined up to show their support for Saddam Hussein on Tuesday as Western powers were deadlocked over how to deal with the veteran leader they say threatens world security. REUTERS/Faleh Kheiber