Official Paris Criticises US President's Ultimatum to Iraq

The official Paris has criticised US President George Bush's ultimatum to Iraq.

The communique circulated by the Elysee Palace's press service on Tuesday characterises this ultimatum as a unilateral decision taken against the will of the UN Security Council and the international community favouring Iraq's further disarmament in compliance with Resolution 1441.

The Elysee Palace pointed out that Bush had announced his ultimatum without any consultations with the UN, while the Security Council alone is entitled to authorise the use of force.

The official Paris warned that actions contrary to the UN decision and the domination of force over the law would entail serious consequences.