US President George W. Bush said in an interview published Friday that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has no intention of disarming and the United States must now force him to do so.

"My attitude about Saddam Hussein is that if he had any intention of disarming, he would have disarmed," Bush said. "We will disarm him now."
"Putting off a decision will mean there will be greater sacrifices in the future," the president told USA Today.

Bush called war his "last option" but said he believed Americans "fully understand" there may be a military onslaught soon, the paper reported.

"I've thought long and hard about the consequences and the price that could be paid," the president said.

USA Today said Bush expressed little concern about debate at the United Nations, the prospect of a veto of a resolution that would clear the way for war or the opposition of some traditional US allies.

Seeking a second UN resolution that could authorize war was first and foremost "a commitment to our allies and friends," he said.

But he added: "The most important part about whatever happens is that (Saddam) be disarmed."
Bush's decisions are driven by his belief that the Iraqi leader is a threat to the United States and the world, the paper said.

"We're still a battlefield," he said. "Part of that war is dealing with a dictator who can serve as an arsenal and/or training ground for terrorist networks."
He said he did not want US citizens to ask in the future: "Where was President Bush? How come he didn't act on behalf of the security of the American people?" - Sapa-AFP