French President Dares to Challenge America

France might veto America’s resolution on Iraq

The White House has finally finished pressing Russia and China (two permanent members of the UN Security Council) regarding the Iraqi issue. Russia and China made it understood they will not put obstacles in America’s path to pass the resolution on Iraq in the UN.

The text of the draft resolution will exclude the words about the use of force. The document stipulated earlier that any UN Security Council member was entitled to take all necessary measures in case of even the slightest violation of UN resolutions by Iraq. Now, the text of the resolution reads that chief UN arms inspector Hans Blix will have to report to the UN Security Council if Iraq breaks its obligations.

After this, news media outlets informed that France is ready to sign that variant of the resolution. Yet, Jacques Chirac ruined Washington’s game. Touring the Middle East, the French president released a sensational statement. “This region does not need a new war,” declared Chirac. The French president urged the international community to avoid it. “We'll do all we can to ensure the resolution conforms to what we see as the interests of the region, the interest of ethics, and our idea of international order. If we don't succeed, France, as a member of the UN Security Council and a permanent member, will fulfill its responsibilities."

The French media concluded that Paris will veto any decision of the United Nations that implies the beginning of military agression against Iraq.

It is hard to say if the French leader sympathizes with Saddam Hussein. It’s not good for Paris to agree with the position of the USA. France is running for a dominating position in Europe. That is why it is so willing to stick it to America’s best friend in Europe (Great Britain).

At the end of the day, France’s diplomacy is actually about the following: Paris needs to press Americans in Europe. This is European security structures that would be an alternative to NATO. Globally, France hopes to settle conflicts (like the Iraqi one) only within the scope of the United Nations. Single-handed solutions will eventually bring the UN’s role to nothing.

The members of the UN Security Council are to hold a session on Friday. It will then become known if it is going to be possible to come to consent on this question or not. The session will be of a closed character. There will definitely be a lot of debate. As analysts believe, neither France nor other members of the Security Council want to tempt providence, forcing the USA to launch a war against Iraq regardless the UN. Furthermore, it will not be easy for France to dare to veto an American resolution. This would be the first time in 50 years of UN history.

Dmitry Litvinovich PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Dmitry Sudakov