Statement by the Deputy Spokesperson

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

June 18, 2002

Excerpt

Regarding your last question, we've read about the CIA projects in the Washington Post. You know the position we take on reports in the press. We respect the press too much to comment on its reports. You also know that the Pentagon has denied the reports in the press. So I would simply like to recall now that our objectives with regard to Iraq have not changed. We consider the status quo still very disturbing both at the humanitarian level and in regard to regional security. As for the humanitarian situation, we hope resolution 1409 leads to a substantial easing of the civil sanctions and progress in relation to the situation that has so far prevailed.

With regard to regional security, we believe Iraq has no other choice but to implement the resolutions of the Security Council and agree to allow the U.N. inspectors to return freely and carry out their mission on the ground. That is the clear message we're sending to the Iraqi authorities.

We support the efforts of the U.N. secretary-general and hope that the dialogue he has established with the Iraqi authorities will lead to a solution in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

To answer your first question, especially regarding the missing persons or prisoners of war, as we've often said here at these briefings, it's a matter of major concern to us. After the statements by that Iraqi official, the important thing now, if they turn out to be true, will be to see how these things can translate into something concrete on the ground. If there were a shift on the ground reflecting those comments, then it could only be a step in the right direction. But again I will have to see the text of the statements, have the reaction of the Kuwaiti authorities and lastly see that what is actually happening is consistent with the declarations of intent. If it all turns out to be confirmed, it would be a step in the right direction.