French reject US demand to expel Iraqis

The French government today rejected an American demand to expel Iraqi diplomats, saying it was matter for France to decide.

“France thinks that such a decision is a matter of our sovereignty,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Francois Rivasseau.

Washington yesterday called for the expulsion of Iraqi diplomats by all countries that recognise and deal with the government in Baghdad.

The Netherlands, a supporter of the US-led coalition against Iraq, also rejected the request, but added that it was “keeping a close eye” on the Iraqi officials in its country.

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher accused the diplomats of representing a “corrupt and ruthless regime” and he cited Iraq’s refusal to disarm.

France led the opposition to Washington’s war plans in the United Nations, arguing that weapons inspectors should be given more time to rid Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.

After the war began, French leaders – including President Jacques Chirac - have said the war is unjustified and urged US-led forces to avoid killing or injuring civilians.