Putin Hints at U.N. Veto on Iraq Action

Associated Press , Yahoo News ^ | February 11, 2003 | JOHN LEICESTER,

[prairiebreeze]

PARIS - Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) warned Tuesday that U.S. military action against Iraq without U.N. consent would be a "grave error," and hinted that Russia might use its veto on the Security Council against any "unreasonable use of force."

Speaking through a translator on French television, Putin said he saw no need at present for Russia to use its veto as a permanent council member.

But asked if Russia would support France if it uses its veto, Putin said: "If today a proposition was made that we felt would lead to an unreasonable use of force, we would act with France or alone."

Putin, who was speaking in an interview on France's TF1 television, defended a proposal by France, Russia and Germany for strengthened U.N. weapons inspections, part of a diplomatic initiative aimed at disarming Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) peacefully.

"This is not designed to create a bloc or an axis," the Russian president said, according to a translation provided by TF1. "We are trying to find a peaceful solution to a grave international crisis and, I repeat, we will be heard."

Without specifically mentioning the United States, he warned against any attempt to attack Iraq without passing through the United Nations (news - web sites).

"I am convinced that it would be a grave error to be drawn into unilateral action, outside of international law," he said.

If the United Nations does not authorize military action against Iraq, the United States reserves the right to take action along with a handful of key allies such as Britain. But a U.S. decision to flout the will of other key nations could severely strain the post-Cold War structure of global politics.

[prairiebreeze]

Putey's turned out to be a major disappointment. BIG TIME WEASLE! What a shame, because he could have seized the opportunity to be a true leader for his country instead of the typical French-kissing Russkie. How sad that he continues to rely on the old ways, with Old Europe.

[Hugin]

"I am convinced that it would be a grave error to be drawn into unilateral action, outside of international law," he said.

There will be no unilateral action, we already have about 40 countries supporting us, which is about twice as many as Desert Storm.

[usnret99]

I agree some disappointment with Putin, but look at the venue (France) and I believe no such action will occur.

[MainFrame65]

Not exactly. There will be no U.N. veto of US and allied military action in Iraq. But there might be a veto of U.N. approval of such an action, which would reduce the relevance of the U.N. to virtually zero. And if the U.N. fails, its replacement will reserve the kind of status that the French and Russians now enjoy for nations that actually are up to the task.

[Renegade]

Didn't the Soviets say it would be a " grave" error if we attacked the Afghanis ( because they got their a$$es kicked over there) ?????
Guess they'll send an old K-19 on patrol again --Shudder,Shudder ..
PS. My dad ,bless his soul ,( who fought in France in WW II ) always said we shoud have left the Germans in France for two years after the war to CLEAN UP THE PIG STY COUNTRY..

[dalebert]

1441 says we don't need another resolution. Iraque has been in violation from the start. everyone wants a peice of the pie.

[Arpege92]

Putin the "Putz" needs to put a sock in it....get off the vodka for once and act like a man! Hiding behind France is a joke!