UNSC nears vote on N Korea missile tests

The draft resolution includes a reference to Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which can authorize mandatory sanctions or even the use of force.

China has made it clear it will veto any text that invokes Chapter Seven.

Speaking to reporters after closed-door Security Council consultations late Friday, French Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, the council president for July, said the 15-member body would resume consultations on a revised draft resolution at 3:00 pm (1900 GMT) Saturday.

The compromise text "is ready to be put to a vote we hope for action tomorrow," Japanese Ambassador Kenzo Oshima said.

US Ambassador John Bolton signalled that even without a reference to Chapter Seven, the draft would still be legally binding. His comment appeared to indicate that the co-sponsors were prepared to drop the reference to mollify the Chinese.

"It is not required to have a binding resolution to use the word Chapter Seven," he noted, adding that he had been instructed by his government to seek a vote Saturday.

A compromise text was thrashed out in day-long haggling involving ambassadors of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- as well as Japan.