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STATEMENT BY THE SPOKESPERSON
FRANCE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
December 3, 2002
Q - The U.S. government is still skeptical about the inspections. The Russians see them more favorably, and France is saying very little. What's happening?
We consider we are well informed by the UNMOVIC spokespeople. Recently they took stock of the situation and we are following their statements with the utmost interest.
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We have confidence in the teams of Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei in carrying out their mandate, in the daily conduct of their inspections. In the event of interference or refusal to cooperate, the inspectors know they must report to the Security Council. For the rest, we are following the reports and communiqués daily of the UNMOVIC spokesmen who are reviewing the situation and we are following these inspections.
Q - Do you think that Iraq has cooperated so far?
So far in any case, the UNMOVIC inspectors haven't mentioned any particular incident. They review the situation every time.
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Our reaction is to follow very closely what is happening. Iraq must comply with its obligations. The work of disarmament is serious and professional, it takes time and for the time being all we can say is that the inspections have taken place without particular incident, and that's all.
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Precisely because we are permanent members of the Security Council, precisely because we realize the difficulties of the task and the fact that this must be evaluated over a certain time, our posture, our position today is to demonstrate our confidence in Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei. At this time, they've not reported any particular problem.
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Decisions belong to the Security Council, and the whole idea behind our démarche of the past several months goes in that direction. Now, in the context of the two-stage mechanism, the mission of Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei has a special responsibility which is spelled out in the resolutions.
Q - The main purpose of the visit by a State Department official is to get France's green light to help in a campaign against Iraq. What do you think?
I'm not here to comment on what they wish. I'm here to comment on statements by the French authorities. With that said, we continue to have close contacts, constant contacts and a highly useful dialogue with the U.S., especially on this matter. We intend to continue it.
Q - Any comment on the renewal of the oil-for-food program?
Talks are continuing in the Security Council. The deadline for us is still December 4. France is committed to continuing the UN humanitarian program in Iraq which eases the suffering of the Iraqi people.
Q - When's the decision to be taken?
We're due to talk about it again today. That is why I said that for us the deadline is tomorrow, December 4.