The United States is ready to change its proposed U.N. resolution to give Iraq more time (50 instead of 30 days) to declare oil industry-related chemicals that may have military applications, diplomats said. But Washington will stick to its 30-day deadline for Iraq to divulge to the U.N. Security Council its weapons of mass destruction programmes, a key part of the draft resolution that toughens arms inspections and warns of "serious consequences" if Baghdad fails to comply.

The U.S. revision on Friday is a response to suggestions by chief U.N weapons inspector Hans Blix, who said Iraq would have trouble declaring chemicals and other materials that could have "dual use" -- military and civilian applications -- in its extensive oil-related industries within the 30-day deadline.

The proposed U.S.-British resolution says failure by Iraq to make a full declaration on time and interference in the inspections could amount to "material breach" of the 1991 Gulf War cease-fire pact, a legal basis for war.

The United States wants a vote next week in the U.N. Security Council within 48 hours after it presents a revised resolution, but delays are normal in the 15-nation body.

To be adopted, a resolution needs nine votes in favour and no veto from the five permanent council members, which Washington believes it has now achieved. But abstentions from permanent members France, Russia and China would send a signal to Iraq that the council is bitterly divided.

COMPROMISE CLOSE

Consequently, Washington is still engaged in complex talks with France, whose position has widespread support in the United Nations. But the latest wording appears to bring the two nations closer to agreement.

France, as well as Russia, fears "hidden triggers" that would allow Washington to go to war, overthrow Saddam Hussein and then claim the United Nations had authorised it.

The United States has suggested several so-called "firewall" formulas that would commit Washington to wait until chief U.N. inspector Hans Blix reports any serious violations to the council. France has argued that the council should decide which violation was serious enough to be called a "material breach."

In Moscow, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov for the first time said key council members had "grown seriously closer over a full range of positions." But he said Russia still believed Washington had to seek explicit U.N. authorisation to use force against Iraq.

PHOTO CAPTION

Mohammed Al-Douri, Iraqi ambassador to the UN, left, talks with Hans Blix the UN chief weapons inspector, right prior to their meeting at the United Nations headquarters Friday, Nov. 1, 2002. Security Council members expect the United States to circulate a revised resolution on Iraq early next week, and Russia said Friday the positions of the five veto-wielding members are now significantly closer. (AP Photo/Osamu Honda)