Iraq has said it will send a letter to the United Nations Security Council, rebutting US allegations that it was hiding weapons of mass destruction.
Iraqi presidential adviser Amer al-Saadi said the detailed letter would address US Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech, point by point.
Mr Powell played tapes and showed satellite pictures at the UN Security Council yesterday which he said proved the Iraqi military had conspired to conceal weapons.
The Taoiseach said earlier that the UN Security Council will face a very difficult situation if there is no 'meaningful response' from Saddam Hussein to the disclosures.
Mr Ahern said Colin Powell's report had clearly illustrated the threat posed by the Iraqi regime. The Taoiseach is in Portugal for talks with the Portuguese Prime Minister, Jose Manuel Dorao Barroso.
UN criticism of Iraqi co-operation
The United Nations' two senior disarmament officials have criticised Iraq for not co-operating with weapons inspections.
Hans Blix and Mohamed El-Baradei were speaking after talks in Downing Street with Tony Blair. Mr Blix warned that unless Iraq changed tack, next week's report to the UN would reflect his frustrations.
Mr El-Baradei said the message coming from the Security Council was very clear - that Iraq was not co-operating fully. He and Mr Blix are due to travel to Baghdad at the weekend.
Reaction to yesterday's presentation
Germany has said it supports French proposals to intensify weapons inspections in Iraq, saying a majority of nations on the UN Security Council want a political solution.
It also welcomed yesterday's presentation by the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, saying it strengthened the United Nations.
French ambassador says war must be avoided
Earlier today, the French ambassador to Ireland, Gabriele de Bellescize, said war against Iraq must be avoided for the sake of the Iraqi people. However, he added that Iraq must comply with the UN resolution on weapons inspections.
The French Foreign Minister, Dominique de Villepin, said the time was not right to discuss a new UN resolution opening the way for war against Iraq. Mr de Villepin insisted that arms inspections must continue.
China and Russia, which like France are permanent Security Council members, have also indicated that inspections should continue.
In Baghdad, President Saddam Hussein's top scientific advisor, General Amer al-Saadi, said Mr Powell's presentation was aimed at justifying aggression against his country. He said that any American evidence on weapons should be given to the two relevant UN agencies.
