[Howlin]

If this report turns out to be true, it certainly will be interesting to hear how France, Germany, and Kofi pass this off as "no breach."

[kcvl]

28 Feb 2003 13:11
France's Villepin welcomes Iraq missile pledge

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PARIS, Feb 28 (Reuters) - French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said on Friday Iraq's pledge to begin destroying its al-Samoud missiles was an important step in the disarmament of Iraq and showed U.N. arms inspections generated results. He also said that a second United Nations resolution on Iraq was premature and that a majority in the Security Council was opposed to the initiative by the United States, Britain and Spain.

"It's an important step in the disarmament of Iraq. It confirms that the inspections give results," he said of Iraq's pledge, which the United States and Britain have said was insufficient.

"There is no reason to discontinue the peaceful disarmament of Iraq. We are opposed to the draft second resolution, as is a majority of the Security Council, and notably Russia," he said, speaking after a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

France has been a leading voice opposing a draft Security Council resolution which would authorise military intervention against Iraq.

[deport]

The Iraqi Scud Missile Launcher of the 1991 war wasn't very accurate, but I suspect if he has a few of these Al Samoud missiles they may be more of a threat to those who he aims them at...