Russian officials said yesterday they’re deeply disappointed by the latest Iraq U.N. Security Council resolution put forward by the United States. French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte added there appear to be no hopes for a quick resolution. France and Russia have been insisting on a two-step approach in which a first resolution would set out guidelines for the weapons inspections, and a second, authorizing force, be considered only if Iraq is found to be in violation of the first. The revised U.S. resolution will allow, but not require, the Security Council to revisit the idea of using force if the U.N. weapons inspectors report Baghdad is not in compliance.

The British government has also expressed concern with the Bush administration over a possible U.S. plan for a long occupation of Iraq under a military administration after Saddam Hussein is ousted. British officials say toppling Hussein’s regime would have to be followed by imposition of an interim administration under a U.N. flag. Ten days ago, The New York Times reported the Bush administration plans to install a U.S. military commander to govern Iraq and control the nation’s oil resources.