France says Qatari initiative on Iraq helpfull

France through its foreign ministry spokesperson said about the recent Qatari initiative regarding the Iraqi sanctions "We knew about it. We know that Qatar's foreign minister broached the idea of a regional initiative to help resolve the question of Iraq when he was in Kuwait last week. The purpose of the initiative, according to the Qatar minister, is to encourage Baghdad's cooperation with the United Nations and to break the current deadlock. The initiative is naturally welcome since it is likely to help the implementation of resolution 1284. That is entirely consistent with France's goals, and we are available for joint discussions with Qatar."