21.   But American officials said the Russian effort may be the best chance remaining to persuade Saddam to let weapons inspectors return without warfare.

22.   But he also urged Iraq to allow United Nations weapons inspectors to resume their work.

23.   But he cautioned the president that no amount of air power could force Iraq to readmit U.N. weapons inspectors, according to a senior administration official.

24.   But Moscow has also taken the position that the work of the U.N. Special Commission is important, and Russians serve as weapon inspectors.

25.   But once again, Saddam has blocked the weapons inspectors from doing their job.

26.   But once again, Saddam has blocked the weapons inspectors from doing that.

27.   But Saddam reneged on his apparent pledge to Primakov to stop hindering the weapons inspectors.

28.   But Richardson reiterated the American view that an existing U.N. resolution already grants legal authority for military action if Iraq does not cooperate with weapons inspectors.

29.   But they make it clear that the role and powers of U.N. weapons inspectors working for UNSCOM, the U.N. Special Commission, must not be undermined or limited.

30.   But to do so, it must readmit U.N. weapons inspectors and fully honor a list of requirements they present.