LindyBill, looks like Powell may be influencing the French position.
France 'wants to see Saddam out'
From correspondents in Paris
March 10, 2003
news.com.au
A FRENCH junior minister today said that France would like to see Iraq's president Saddam Hussein removed from power.
"Basically we agree with the United States," Patrick Devedjian, a deputy interior minister responsible for local affairs, told a local radio station.
"UN resolution 1441 has French approval. We are in disagreement on the form, but we have no time for Saddam Hussein.
"As to methods, there ought to be some more caution about disarming Iraq.
"France is in agreement with removing Saddam Hussein from power. France of course also wants democracy for Iraq if possible, but it wants to achieve this by other means (than war).
"Disarmament must lead to the democratisation of Iraq and the democratisation of Iraq is the end of Saddam Hussein.
"The disarmament process is working today," Devedjian concluded. "Is this the right time to unleash hostilities that will cost much in terms of human life, including American lives?"
Asked whether France might use its veto in the UN Security Council against a second resolution paving the way to war against Iraq, Devedjian said he was not sure whether the question was yet valid.
France has not said it would veto a new US-British-Spanish resolution on Iraq but, backed by Russia and Germany, has furiously lobbied UN Security Council members to oppose it.
The new resolution was expected to go before the UN Security Council this week.
Even if US officials can garner the nine votes they need to pass the resolution, France, China and Russia -- all of whom oppose imminent military action against Iraq -- retain the power of veto as permanent members of the Security Council.
Agence France-Presse |
