The US Defence Secretary, Mr Donald Rumsfeld is warning Europe that delaying preparations for war in Iraq could make a conflict more likely.
Mr Rumsfeld says hesitation may also undermine both the NATO alliance and the United Nations.
"Delaying preparations sends a signal of uncertainty, instead of a signal of unity and resolve," Mr Rumsfeld told an international defence conference in Munich, Germany.
"If the international community once again shows a lack of resolve, there is no chance that Saddam Hussein will disarm voluntarily or flee - and thus little chance of a peaceful outcome."
Mr Rumsfeld says the alliance has a treaty obligation to defend Turkey, the only NATO ally that borders Iraq.
NATO must decide by Monday whether to order its military experts to plan for the deployment of early warning planes, missile defence batteries and specialised units to Turkey.
France, Germany and Belgium have held up the NATO planning for three weeks, arguing it could undermine UN efforts to avert a war. Anxious alliance officials fear continued refusal could do irreparable harm to NATO.
However, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer has forcefully restated his government's position that diplomat efforts to secure Iraq's disarmament have not been exhausted and it is premature to start military moves.
PA
