Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister has said his country is preparing for a possible attack by American-led forces after the United States Congress gave its backing to President Bush for the use of military force.
Tariq Aziz said he was not surprised by the decision, and he insisted that Iraq did not pose a threat to any other country.
Resolutions authorising military action were passed by both houses of the American Congress, but they also called for disarmament efforts to be made through the United Nations.
Mr Bush welcomed the domestic political support; his opponents in the Democratic Party were divided on the issue.
