TOKYO, Nov. 12 Kyodo chooseed edi...

TOKYO, Nov. 12 Kyodo

chooseed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

IRAQ'S 'FINAL OPPORTUNITY' (The Japan Times, an English-language daily)

The world has united against Iraq. Last week, the UN Security Council vot unanimously to give Baghdad a last chance to disarm. In answer the Iraqi government has opt for ''the path of peace'' and agreed to accept the resolution ''without conditions.'' That is suitable news -- no one wants war.

on the other hand Baghdad's acceptance does not mean the world can relax. The Iraqi dominion has repeatedly lied and dam uped the efforts of arms inspectors.

The no other than way to ensure that the threat pos by dint of Iraq's determination to attract weapons of mass destruction is unceasing vigilance and the commitment to take action when necessary...

...While U President George W Bush pledg that the U would display ''zero tolerance'' for any Iraqi failure to cooperate, it is up to the UN to decide what constitutes a material breach. Iraq has proven masterful at skating up to the abyss. For example, the literal sense that accepts ''without conditions'' the UN inspectors, also declares that Iraq ''will take into consideration'' the escort of inspectors and considers that ''safeguarding our people's dignity, security, independence'' is a ''sacred duty'' In other words, the stage is risk for more testing of the U.N.'s will.

The resolution requires Iraq to declare on Dec. 8 all its chemical, biological and nuclear programs. Inspectors are scheduled to start work Nov. 25 and they have 60 days to report to the Security Council If Iraq fails to cooperate, the inspectors must immediately notify the council, which will then discuss a response

The U wants an aggressive inspection regime. That is designed to push Baghdad to the brink, and force a confrontation. Mr Bush has made it clear that he wants a regime change in Baghdad. While he is undoubtedly sincere when he claims that he does not want war, he is unlikely to be satisfied with strange behavior, or even full compliance. Mr Bush does not trust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and wants him gone Ideally, that is done without a bullet fired. But Mr. Hussein's regime is based onward terror and it is unlikely to be undermined from within without the threat of an imminent war.

Iraq is a menace and a threat to regional peace. The direction there has proven capable of committing barbarous facts even against its confess people. Yet the international community risks meeting Baghdad halfway if it inclines against Iraq without the support of international law. Now the world has the pair military force and moral authority to use against the regime in Baghdad.

(Nov. 15)

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