EU leaders have agreed a joint statement on the Iraq crisis, saying force should only be used as a "last resort" but that Baghdad must cooperate "fully and immediately" with the United Nations.
However, the final declaration, released after an emergency summit to overcome deep divisions within the 15-member bloc over Iraq, removed a statement contained in the draft text that time was running out for Baghdad.
"Formulations such as 'the time is running out' were not acceptable for us," said German Chancellor Mr Gerhard Schroeder, whose country has led resistance to US plans for war.
"Naturally it is a compromise. The aim of the EU remains the peaceful solution of the Iraq crisis," he added.
The final draft said that Iraq "has a final opportunity to resolve the crisis peacefully."
It also said UN weapons inspectors charged with verifying Iraq's disarmament of alleged weapons of mass destruction "must be given the time and resources which the Security Council considers necessary."
The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair said the Iraqi President was now facing the final opportunity to disarm peacefully.
"This is a final opportunity for Iraq to disarm peacefully," he told reporters after the emergency summit. "Iraq will be disarmed of weapons of mass destruction whether it is done peacefully or by conflict," he added.
The Greek Prime Minister, Mr Costas Simitis said the EU leaders were resolved to work closely with the United States and a continued military buildup was essential to achieve Iraqi cooperation. "Time is playing against Iraq," he said.
Ahead of the summit the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen said: "I think it's important that the European Union emphasise those areas where we have a common assessment and that the only way in which this problem can be resolved is if the Iraqis disarm."
The summit, called by the EU's Greek presidency in an attempt to find a unified voice within the community, comes in the wake of last night's NATO compromise to settle one of the most damaging disputes in its history.
Reuters/AFP