FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

September 10, 2002

Excerpt

(What's the French position on the weapons being supplied to Iraq by the East?)

Our position on weapons for Iraq, on rearming that country, is well known, and we've restated it many times. We do not wish to see Iraq become a threat to regional security and stability again. On the other hand we do wish to see Iraq respect and implement the U.N. Security Council resolutions. As for the arms deliveries you're referring to, I don't personally have any details at this time. What I can say is that if such practices were confirmed, it would be a total violation of international law and of the relevant Security Council resolutions, something therefore which we could not accept.