STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON

FRANCE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

November 5, 2002

We believe that everyone in the Security Council now has a clear idea of the ideas and difficulties for some on the elements under discussion. I understand that the Americans are currently working on a revised text of their proposed resolution. On our side we are continuing to work for a clear and unanimous position by the Security Council. The minister is in daily contact with his main partners on the questions.

Is France still in favor of a two-stage resolution?

We are still committed to a two-stage démarche.

Were you pleased about Colin Powell's statements in this morning's Figaro?

No comment.

Can you detail the difficulties you just referred to? Those that France has for example?

We have objectives:

- a two-stage mechanism that precludes any automaticity in the decision-making process. We believe that this process must be done in two stages and that presupposes no automatic decision taken at the first stage, with the next text of the resolution currently being debated;

- an effective inspection regime.

For Iraq's disarmament?

Yes.

In the same statement Mr. Powell said that in 30 days, Saddam Hussein has to produce a declaration, and without it, there will be a decision on peace or war. What are the criteria for judging whether that declaration will be negative or positive? And who will decide?

It is an issue that is being discussed now so I don't wish to comment on the specific provisions of one or another aspect of the resolution. What we want is an effective mechanism for rigorously verifying Iraq's disarmament and making sure that it is complete in regard to weapons of mass destruction, in accordance with the U.N. resolutions.

As for making an assessment, the exact procedures and modalities as to how the assessment is to be made are currently being discussed and clarified in New York. It goes without saying that when we speak of a two-stage mechanism, we consider that it is the Security Council that decides.