France could change stance

FRANCE’S view of the Iraq crisis would “change completely” if President Saddam Hussein orders the use of chemical or biological weapons against US forces, French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte said yesterday.

“If Saddam Hussein uses chemical or biological weapons it would change totally the situation for President (Jacques) Chirac and the French government,” Mr Levitte said on CNN. “President Chirac will have to decide what we could do to help the American troops, but I confirm it would change completely our perception of the situation,” he said.

France has staunchly opposed the use of military force against Iraq over its alleged arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, instead favouring continued UN weapons inspections as the best means to defuse the crisis.

Paris threatened to veto a US-British-Spanish draft UN resolution authorising military action against Baghdad, prompting the US and Britain to blame France for their decision to withdraw the measure.

US President George W Bush issued an ultimatum to Saddam on Monday, urging him to leave the country within 48 hours or face military action. Mr Chirac on Tuesday called such unilateral action unjustified and said it flew in the face of the will of the international community.

The UN Security Council is to meet on Wednesday at the request of France, Germany and Russia, which are continuing last-ditch efforts to prolong the inspections. French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin will attend the meeting.

“It’s important to take stock of the situation on the eve of an unauthorised war and to review the next steps which the United Nations must face,” a French diplomat said.