Powell responds to mounting criticism of US stand on Iraq
Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/18/2002

US Secretary of State Colin Powell defended yesterday against criticism directed at the US policy against Iraq. This criticism has come from such countries as France, Germany, Canada and the European commission.

Previously, US officials have said that with or without allies if nessecary, the US will strike Iraq if its interests dictate that.

Powell told CNN "What unilateral action have we taken that is causing them to get so upset? The President made a statement in his speech, a clear statement identifying nations that deserve to be labeled as evil because of the nature of their regimes, and now we are in discussion with our allies. So what unilateral action have we taken that has them all so shocked?"

Canada's Toronto Star reported that Canada's Prime Minister Jean Chretien stood firm that the war on terrorism does not extend beyond Afghanistan.

The Star reported that "Chretien would not budge from his stated position even after a senior White House official sought "clarification" of his views on a potential Washington strike on Iraq." Chretien said unilateral action against Iraq will not lead anywhere.

If UN inspections are not allowed, economic sanctions on Iraq must remain in place, Powell said in an NBC interview. "And, in fact," he said, "those sanctions which people thought would be falling apart are very much in place, and I think they will become more effective in May of this year when we get into smart sanctions." Powell acknowledged that the United States has found no links between Iraq and the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. "At the same time," Powell said, "he [Saddam Hussein] is worrisome; he is to be concerned about, because we know that he continues to try to find the means to develop weapons of mass destruction -- nuclear programs, chemical programs, biological programs."

Earlier this week, Chris Patten, the European Union's Commissioner for External Affairs took the unusual step of writing an article criticizing US's unilateralist approach to Iraq.

Previous Stories:
  Powell vows to consult allies before striking Iraq   (2/16/2002)
  On US preparations to topple Saddam Hussein   (2/15/2002)
  Report says a decision to attack Iraq has already been taken   (2/14/2002)

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