France urges Iraq to cooperate with UN

France has reiterated its call for Iraq to resume cooperation with the UN and to cancel the decision it had taken on August 5 to prevent UNSCOM from carrying out new inspection operations.

The assistant spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry said that the Iraqi authorities are waiting to receive explanations on comprehensive revision, which would help progress toward ending the UN sanctions imposed on it following its invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

The assistant spokesperson explained that Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz had the chance during his visit to New York to meet with sides concerned. He asserted that it is still in the interest of Iraq, more than at any time before, to abrogate the decision taken on August 5, so the comprehensive revision of the UN Security Council resolution 1194 will be made.

He stated that when Iraq does so, the French authorities will be careful to make the "comprehensive revision" seriously and promptly.