The current sanctions have a substantial chance of forcing President Hussein to the belief that he cannot win.

He provided few details and said that while the current economic sanctions against Panama had not worked, he would not lift them.

Also rejected was a proposed 90-day "time out" period that would have relaxed the current sanctions in the hopes of spurring negotiations.

To lift the current sanctions would be premature and unwarranted.

In return, some of the current sanctions in place would be suspended.

Washington and other Western governments may now strengthen the current mild sanctions against Zimbabwe.

But the White House has tied its talk of "options" to the idea of expanding the current sanctions.

Find information about current sanctions on countries at the FCO website - Opens in a new window.

European leaders will meet in April to decide whether to continue the current sanctions.

The issue remains as to how effective the current economic sanctions are.