Chirac: proposed U.N. resolution on Iran does not automatically lead to use of force

French President Jacques Chirac said Friday that a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution on the standoff over Iran's nuclear program "does not automatically entail" use of force.

Photo: Chirac: proposed U.N. resolution on Iran does not automatically lead to use of force

Chirac said France was not against a tough resolution aimed at pushing Iran to stop its uranium enrichment program, but stressed it should not lead to the automatic use of military force or sanctions if Iran refuses.

"Our objective is to have a resolution that may be obeyed," Chirac told reporters on the margins of an EU-Latin America leaders summit.

Chirac's comments appeared aimed at reassuring China and Russia, which object to attempts by Britain, France and the United States to draft the Security Council resolution under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it enforceable by sanctions or if necessary military action.

"Our objective ... is that we be in a position to impose decisions taken by the Security Council," Chirac said when asked if the draft resolution was in contradiction to France's position on the Iran standoff.

French officials have said diplomacy and multilateral talks are the only options for dealing with the issue.

"First of all, this resolution is being negotiated," Chirac said, noting that it was not set in stone yet.

"We're not against the fact that Chapter 7 be mentioned. It doesn't automatically entail ... force" or sanctions, Chirac said, reports AP.

O.Ch.