France Not Changing Its Position on Iraq

AP ^ | February 4, 2003 | ANGELA DOLAND

[wideawake]

In the game of diplomacy, it's always smart to tie your hands and paint yourself into a corner.

[finnman69]

Nonsense. If France vetos, when we have 9 other members of the Security Council voting yes the UN and the security council are finished.

[Owl4USA]

It doesn't matter. If France veto's we will still go into Iraq. The UN (and France) show that they truly have no power, and they are finished. I hope France does veto it.

[Steel Wolf]

My my my. France being very stubborn here. They're risking a lot defying us at this stage of the game. They'd have a lot to lose prestige wise if we stop going to the U.N. You'd think that if they were just trying to remain influential, they'd make sure not to back the wrong horse.

That seems ... suspicious.. doesn't it? I wonder what their game is...

[Republican Red]

What a coincidence, I haven't changed my opinion of France either!

[concentric circles]

France not changing its position...

"We insist that all of our existing oil field contracts be honored and we anticipate substantial additional contracts once all of these unfortunate political problems are resolved. Oh, and the Iraqi army will need to rearm with modern weapons and we expect a grand share of this business as well."

I would add a sarcasm tag if I thought it was appropriate.

[PokeyJoe]

"We must let the inspectors do their jobs," Chirac said at a news conference after a summit with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Inspector's role is that of a verification monitor, not of a detective ala "Inspector Clusoe". This man is a willing dupe for self-interested reasons. We are not being unilateralists - France is!

Regarding your post, I agree that the US honors single veto power in the UN Security Council. The BEEF, however, is that the French will be voting against the inspectors - because the next UN resolution will go something like this - - -

1) Iraq has failed to submit a complete declaration of WMD in it's possession. -- T or F
2) Iraq has failed to provide unconditional and proactive cooperation with UNMOVIC. -- T or F
3) Iraq has an active concealment and denial program, as related by intelligence shared with the UN Security Council by the US Secretary of State, contrary to provision of UN Resolution 1441. -- T or F
4) Iraq remains in material breach of 16 former resolutions passed by the UN Security Council since 1991. -- F or F

The UN Security Council affirms that all of the foregoing statements are true.

That's all that it needs to say. Period.

Let them vote against it.

Maybe then we can actually get the US out of the UN, and the UN out of the US.

[r9etb]

Poke here for an image. It's titled "proctology," so be warned.....

France is the one on the right.

[colorado tanker]

Read Chirac's comments very carefully and remember he is a Weasel. He doesn't say he won't join the US/UK position, nor does he say he'll block it. Chirac has left plenty of room so that if, say, Powell makes a strong presentation, the US and UK give Iraq additional time to comply, say March 1, Blix says the same thing on Feb. 14 he said the last time, that Iraq is in breach and preventing the inspectors from "doing their job", and France and Germany stand isolated in Europe, Chirac can switch sides consistent with what he says here.

Chirac has always left himself an out, unlike Schroeder who is a silly, stupid man.

[wideawake]

If France vetoes action against Iraq, the UN loses its credibility and declares itself a paper tiger.

France has no teeth to back up its veto, just words.

[Enemy Of The State]

I have a feeling its going to start getting mighty cold in france in the near future.

[Indy Pendance]

What about the financial aspects? I've been hearing a lot about the money/business connections between Iraq and France, but I'm having a tough time finding any news articles. Maybe I missed them?

[America's Resolve]

Chirac has insisted repeatedly that the decision on whether to go to war rests with the Security Council - not the United States.

Like the Ivory Coast Mr. Chirac???

[wideawake]

They made resolutions. Saddam did not comply. They sent inspectors. The inspectors were not complied with either.

If France, as a member of the Security Council, is going to turn its back on the conditions it insisted on, then France's membership in the Council is a joke.

And give me a break re: your Commie-symp hogwash about Nicaragua.

There was a Monroe Doctrine before there was a UN. A Soviet-sponsored dictatorship in the US' backyard is our business.