Split deepens over US-backed resolution

FRANCE, Germany and Russia yesterday said they will “not allow” an American-backed UN resolution to authorise war against Iraq — further highlighting the deep split between Washington and two of its closest allies.

The foreign ministers of the three countries held an emergency meeting in Paris as US-led preparations for war accelerate and the UN Security Council prepares to consider a US-backed resolution that could open the door for military action.

“We will not allow a resolution to pass that authorises resorting to force,” France’s Dominique de Villepin said at a press conference alongside his Russian and German counterparts. “Russia and France, as permanent members of the Security Council, will assume their full responsibilities on this point.”