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Bush Says Monday to be Final Day for Iraq Diplomatic Efforts - 2003-03-16


U.S. President George W. Bush says Monday will be the final day for diplomatic efforts to pass a United Nations resolution giving Iraq an ultimatum to disarm or face military action.

He said Monday will be a "moment of truth for the world."

At a news conference, the president said "tomorrow is the day that we will determine whether or not diplomacy can work."

Standing side-by-side with the leaders of Spain and Britain, the president promised a strong last minute push to convince Security Council members to back their resolution on Iraq.

The president announced the deadline following a hastily arranged summit in the Portuguese Azore Islands with key allies.

It was a display of unity. Their determination was evident in the words of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. "You have to come to the point of decision. And that really is what the next period of time is going to be about," he said.

Mr. Blair went on to say the allies will act in the best interest of the United Nations, an indication they might pull the resolution, if it would add to divisions in the world body.

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