France Said Favorable to U.S. Concessions on Iraq

Reuters ^

[RCW2001]

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - France appeared favorably disposed to the new U.S. proposals for a draft U.N. resolution that drop any immediate authorization for a military strike and depend on reports from U.N. arms inspectors, diplomats said late on Thursday.

An agreement with France, which was leading the resistance to an early U.S. draft, would clear the way for approval by the 15-nation Security Council, possibly before the end of the month. "So far the U.S. changes are acceptable to France," said one diplomat, adding that negotiations between Paris and Washington were continuing.

Facing major opposition from nations around the world, the United States no longer includes in its text a reference to the use of force or a threat of consequences. A previous U.S. draft authorized any member state to use "all necessary measures" to force compliance on the slightest violation by Iraq.

Instead, it directs chief U.N. arms inspector Hans Blix "to report immediately to the council any failure by Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations," according to excerpts obtained by Reuters. The council would then meet "to consider the situation and the need for full compliance with all of the relevant Security Council resolutions."

This could mean a second resolution. But if the council does not then authorize force, the United States could decide to strike Iraq anyway, and would probably get considerable support for a coalition, the envoys said.

[sinkspur]

The French are kicking up dust because THEY are compromising and they need cover.

According to the White House, there is no compromise, and Colin Powell reiterated in his speech at the Al Smith Dinner, that one resolution was enough.

[tet68]

I believe the french are doing all this because they have much to hide.

[mmmmmmmm....... donuts]

of course, now there will be pressure on hans blix not to go to the u.n. security council. do we really want to put our whole 'disarm saddam' strategy in his arms?

[river rat]

The French and the Germans will probably have a LOT to explain about equipment and materials that I expect will be found in Iraq..

The two nations in Europe that have the most to be grateful to Americans for past fairness and generosity - have become the most untrustworthy and unreliable back stabing bastards...

Glad I already saw all I want to see in both countries - decades ago.... NEVER AGAIN..... And, no more German cars.....or any other German items... Stopped buying French, years ago..

Semper Fi

[tcostell]

They don't have that much to hide, their contracts for oil with Sadam are all a matter of public knowledge.

It's just the French playing politics over oil, with the safety of the western world at stake.