STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON

FRANCE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

July 16, 2002

Excerpts

Q - Do you have any comment on the continuing U.S. air strikes in the no-fly zones and the growing number of victims?  

France's position on this is unchanged. Our reaction is to recall the doubts, the questions we've had for a long time about these actions and air strikes.  

Q - France has repeatedly expressed a commitment to Iraq's territorial integrity. Do you see the strikes as an attack on its integrity?  

We have doubts and questions about it, and furthermore, our position is unchanged. The situation is not as simple as that since these are actions the Americans and British say are intended to enforce compliance with the air-exclusion zones.  

Q - What is France's reaction to the conference that's just been held in London? Do you consider that the establishment of a military committee abroad is going to promote a peaceful settlement?  

In our view, what's essential today is for Iraq to implement the Security Council resolutions and agree to the inspectors' unconditional return, in the conditions laid down by the Security Council, since our objectives have not changed: to guarantee regional stability and security and end the suffering of the Iraqi people. Of course, we think it is desirable for there to be democratic and peaceful change in Iraq and everywhere else. With that said, it is for the Iraqi people to decide on their future.