Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz accused Butler of playing `tricks and games' at the bidding of the US and engaging in `blackmail' as the chief inspector left for New York on Tuesday, cutting short his visit to Iraq.

He is scheduled to brief the Security Council tomorrow but indications are clear that the 15-member panel will continue to be divided on the issue with Washington and possibly London taking a hard line and others pressing for easing of sanctions to recognise the cooperation by Iraq so far.

Butler, who is close to the United States, is not very much liked by several other members.

Butler was quoted as saying that Aziz wanted him to report to the Council that Iraqi disarmament was complete but he did not have evidence to report that.

Afterthe Council briefly discussed the issue at its closed door meeting, its president Danilo Turk of Slovenia said, ``there is I think a feeling that the situation (in Iraq) is not good, that we have to take a very serious look at it and see whether the Council can help in establishing the right kind of progress and other goals.''

``The disarmament process is not completed and it has to go forward,'' he said.

Secretary General Kofi Annan, awaiting Butler to report to him, expressed hope that the breakdown of talks would be just a `hiccup' that can be overcome.

``I would hope that when Butler comes back and reports, we will be able to continue our work and that this may be a major hiccup but a hiccup that can be overcome,'' he said.

A report from Baghdad said President Saddam Hussein was drawing up a plan which would help the crippling economic sanctions imposed on Iraq after it attacked Kuwait. But details were not available.

The special commission which Butler heads must certify that all Iraqi weaponsof mass destruction and long-range missiles along with their facilities have been eliminated and a monitoring system put into place before the Council can consider lifting of sanctions.