Australian UN Ambassador: French illegal claims 'rubbish'

The Australian ^ | April 1 2003

[knighthawk]

AUSTRALIA'S ambassador to the United Nations has told France its claim the coalition's strike on Iraq was illegal was rubbish.

During a radio debate, John Dauth told an adviser to French President Jacques Chirac that France's attempt to decide what was legal and what was not was wrong.

Chirac adviser Jacques Myard said UN resolution 1441, calling for the disarmament of Iraq, did not give a legal base for military action.

"Today we have to wonder how are we going to restore the system, because there is no doubt that this is a strike against the system itself," Mr Myard, a member of France's lower house's foreign affairs committee, told ABC Radio.

But Mr Dauth dismissed the claim.

That's just rubbish," he told ABC Radio.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry to be intemperate, but the allegation of our French friend to himself of a right to decide what's legal and what's not is just nonsense.

"There is plenty of strong legal argument in favour of the coalition in this respect."

Mr Dauth said it wasn't surprising that legal debate was raging.

"Frankly, two lawyers will always give you a legal debate, but there is plenty of legal support for what the coalition has done," he said.

"And my government, and the governments of the United Kingdom and the government of the United States, are on strong grounds on all of that."

Mr Dauth said there was much work to be done to put together a common purpose on the UN Security Council in relation to Iraq.

"And I hope, very much, the governments of France and Russia and others on the council will focus on their responsibilities in this respect," he said.

"I mean there's a lot of work to be done in respect of post-war Iraq, which will require the full engagement of the international community, and the Council can restore it."

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Naspino]

It all depends on what the meaning of "is" --- is.

[Conspiracy Guy]

And further more France if you are strong in your convictions that we commited a crime, come arrest us you pansies. flurry

[muir_redwoods]

The French are once again in that position they find so uncomfortable. They've spoken. Now it's time to do something about it.

I dare them.

[facedown]

During a radio debate, John Dauth told an adviser to French President Jacques Chirac that France's attempt to decide what was legal and what was not was wrong.

Yes - that's Belgium's job.