Divisions between members of the UN Security Council over how to disarm Iraq have deepened.

On the eve of Hans Blix's crucial report today, France, Germany and Russia have become more entrenched in their view that the inspectors should be given more time.

UN inspector Mohamed ElBaradei said "Iraq still has a chance to exonerate itself but time is critical".

However, senior American and British officials have made clear that only a dramatic change of attitude by Saddam Hussein would hold them back from tabling a resolution for military action in the coming days.

In a letter to the Greek prime minister, Costas Simitis, the current holder of the rotating EU presidency, and copied to other leaders, Tony Blair said that if the Iraqi leader failed to co-operate or leave the country "we should be clear that Saddam faces immediate and serious consequences".

Pope John Paul will hold talks in the Vatican with Iraq's foreign minister Tariq Aziz today.

And 57 MPs have signed an early day motion calling for a Commons vote ahead of any military action.