France's position regarding Iraq
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson said yesterday in Paris when asked:
Q - Are you taking Colin Powell's criticisms as a refusal by the US authorities to re-establish harmonious relations with France?
Ê I refer you to the comments Foreign Minister de Villepin made in Ankara this morning: "France has acted throughout the Iraqi crisis, along with a very large majority of the international community, in accordance with its convictions and principles in order to defend international legality. It will continue to do so in all circumstances.
Q - Are you concerned about continuing American opposition to any UN involvement in rebuilding Iraq?
Ê Discussions on the reconstruction of Iraq just started yesterday in the Security Council. Let's give them time.
Ê Q - Do you think the EU has a common position on Iraq's reconstruction?
Ê As you know, the EU presidency issued a declaration on Iraq at last week's summit of European heads of state and government in Athens. That's the latest on the question.
Ê Q - What's your interpretation of the US refusal to allow a visit to Iraq by Hans Blix and the UN inspectors?
Ê I'm not a spokesman for the US.
Ê Q - Could you clarify your position on the sanctions against Iraq, especially your conditions for suspending the measures? Ê
Our position was clearly stated yesterday by France's permanent representative to the UN. We support suspending the civil sanctions immediately.
Ê Q - Does France agree with Russia that lifting the sanctions in Iraq requires a UN declaration on the weapons of mass destruction? Ê
I refer you to the statements our permanent representative to the UN made to the press; they're very clear and show that we're working with pragmatism.
Ê Q - Does the decision lie with UNMOVIC and in that case what happens about Mr. Blix? Ê
Discussions are to continue in the Security Council in the next few days.
Ê Q - We're hearing a lot about French "pragmatism" these days. Is it a position coordinated with the Germans and Russians in St. Petersburg? Ê
We have converging positions with our German and Russian partners and also with many states in the international community.
Ê Q - What efforts will France make about Iraqi debt and what will be your position at the Paris Club on Thursday? Ê
It's too soon to make a statement on this matter which gets an initial review at the ordinary monthly meeting of the Paris Club tomorrow. I refer you to the Ministry of Finance for the procedures in effect in that body and the agenda.