United Nations ? Senior European officials reacted positively to President Bush’s call Thursday for Iraq to comply with U.N. resolutions or face the consequences.

The foreign policy chief of the closest U.S. ally, Britain’s Jack Straw, said the Bush address was a “tough and effective speech.”

“The United Kingdom will work closely with the United States and its international partners in the Security Council to develop,” further resolutions on Iraq, Straw said.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Petersen said the president “challenged us to (live) up to our responsibilities, and he was very clear on all the violations, which we certainly have to take seriously.” But, he added, “we are facing a lot of very, very difficult challenges and choices.”

Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana welcomed Bush’s speech and stood firmly behind the U.S.

“We support the United States and its allies in NATO. For us, it’s very important to see this threat to security addressed.”

In Germany, Finance Minister Hans Eichel warned that a campaign on Baghdad was the only thing that could wreck Germany’s economic recovery.