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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JohnM who wrote (73917)	2/14/2003 3:01:24 PM
From: stockman_scott	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Security Council heads for a split Analysis by Marian Wilkinson February 15 2003 The split between the US and France is now wide open over Iraq. The report by the chief UN weapons inspector has given France enough ammunition to press its case for further inspections. Dr Blix's findings that so far no evidence of new chemical or biological weapons production have been found coupled with Iraq's handing over of documents and personnel lists, allowed for an even-handed report that gives a way forward for the inspectors. Iraq's last minute concessions on spy flights, new legislation prohibiting weapons of mass destruction and offers of new material came just in time. The report by the chief UN weapons inspector has undermined President Bush's strategy to pressure the Security Council into a second resolution endorsing a war with Iraq. In his report to the council, Dr Blix also pointedly undercut US Secretary of State Colin Powell's, intelligence briefing to the council last week, questioning the value of spy satellite images allegedly showing attempts to hide chemical weapons. France's Foreign Minister, Mr Dominique de Villepin went further, rejecting Powell's claims of a link between Baghdad and al Qaeda. And in what was a signal that Russia's President Putin was about line up behind France, Moscow delivered a letter to the UN weapons inspectors answering point-by-point the dramatic intelligence presentation by Powell against Iraq. Before Dr Hans Blix opened his mouth, President Bush made it clear that the weapons inspection process was over as far as he was concerned. For weeks everyone at the Security Council has realised the US will not be deterred from attacking Iraq. The question is, what route Powell and the President will take to Baghdad and how quickly they want to get there. Powell, with Britain's help, is now circulating a wording for a second resolution that will give UN backing for a war against Iraq in the face of resistance from Russia, France, China and Germany. Many in the Bush administration want to confront France and Russia at the Security Council and dare them to veto the resolution. France it seems, is willing to answer that dare. In the next two weeks, if no compromise is found, the US may well be forced to break with its old allies finally to pursue its war with Iraq. smh.com.au