The United States has blocked aggressive inspections while it tries to build a consensus for firm action in the U.N. Security Council.

As a consequence, North Korea blocked routine technical inspections.

The officials also said President Hussein could try to use the skirmishes as an excuse to block further inspections of his weaponry by the United Nations.

Washington wants sanctions imposed if North Korea continues to block inspections of its nuclear program.

North Korea has blocked full international inspections of its nuclear facilities for more than a year, sparking fears that it is developing nuclear weapons.

But Saturday's Guardian Council ruling promised to block international inspections in the event of a security council referral.

Because Iraq continues to block inspections, the Security Council has made little effort to define exactly what a comprehensive review of sanctions would entail.

If in a few months Mr. Hussein again blocks inspections, can he then draw up a new, less invasive agreement?

He said Mexico agreed that the measure should threaten "serious consequences" if Mr. Hussein blocked inspections.

He resigned in protest, disclosing that the United States blocked several inspections to avoid a new confrontation with Baghdad.