Blow for US as France against fresh UN mandate

FRANCE said last night it was opposed to a second UN resolution which could trigger war on Iraq and criticised America and Britain’s plans to use force against Saddam Hussein.

President George W Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are insisting on military action without a fresh UN mandate in case it is blocked.

French President Jacques Chirac said he was against a second UN resolution, believing it would open the door to war and instability in the Middle East.