MFA: Joint Statement Of Belgium, France & Germany

FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

February 16, 2003

Belgium, France and Germany reaffirm their determination to honour their obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty with regard to all allies, notably Turkey, as well as the importance which they attribute to the transatlantic relationship.

They stress that their objective is full and effective disarmament of Iraq within the scope of UN Security Council resolution 1441.

In particular, they underline that the use of force can only be the last resort and that not all options offered by UNSCR 1441 have, as yet, been fully exploited. They recall that it is up to Iraq to cooperate actively, immediately and unconditionally with UNMOVIC and IAEA.

Following Turkey's recourse to article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, Belgium, France and Germany note that all Member States wishing to do so can contribute with adequate measures in order to respond to the concerns expressed by Turkey.

Belgium and Germany who are integrated into the military structure of NATO have agreed to the proposal by the Secretary General of NATO to invite the military authorities to provide military advice on prudent defensive contingency planning in support of Turkey.

The implementation of measures proposed by the military authorities will require a new decision.

The decision by NATO does not in any way prejudge the ongoing efforts by Belgium, France and Germany to continue to work within the framework of UNSCR 1441.

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Search WMD profiles Iraqi entities of concern Iraq's suppliers UN documents Government documents Controlled items Perspectives	IRAQ JOINT STATEMENT OF BELGIUM, FRANCE AND GERMANY FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS February 16, 2003 Belgium, France and Germany reaffirm their determination to honour their obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty with regard to all allies, notably Turkey, as well as the importance which they attribute to the transatlantic relationship. They stress that their objective is full and effective disarmament of Iraq within the scope of UN Security Council resolution 1441. In particular, they underline that the use of force can only be the last resort and that not all options offered by UNSCR 1441 have, as yet, been fully exploited. They recall that it is up to Iraq to cooperate actively, immediately and unconditionally with UNMOVIC and IAEA. Following Turkey's recourse to article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, Belgium, France and Germany note that all Member States wishing to do so can contribute with adequate measures in order to respond to the concerns expressed by Turkey. Belgium and Germany who are integrated into the military structure of NATO have agreed to the proposal by the Secretary General of NATO to invite the military authorities to provide military advice on prudent defensive contingency planning in support of Turkey. The implementation of measures proposed by the military authorities will require a new decision. The decision by NATO does not in any way prejudge the ongoing efforts by Belgium, France and Germany to continue to work within the framework of UNSCR 1441.