China is seen as a cautious, rather judicious Council member that supports most diplomatic resolutions to military conflicts.

These provided Henry with enough justification to attempt a diplomatic resolution.

Baghdad and Washington, which only days ago seemed headed for a military confrontation over weapons inspections, now seem close to a diplomatic resolution.

On 25 February the agreement was signed ceding the land subject to any diplomatic resolution.

A diplomatic resolution of the dispute is still possible, but time is running short.

But, in reality, a senior Clinton Administration official said, movement toward finding a diplomatic resolution was minimal.

"You could always consider a diplomatic resolution," Merlin pointed out.

A diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear problem is still within reach.

If China joined these actions as well, the chances of achieving a successful diplomatic resolution would be still greater.

A friend said the secretary felt that his pursuit of a diplomatic resolution was constantly undercut by hawks in the administration.