JOINT STATEMENT BY RUSSIA, GERMANY, AND FRANCE

FRENCH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

March 15, 2003

The international community's common goal is to disarm Iraq in accordance with the decisions of the United Nations Security Council. UNSCR 1441, adopted unanimously, provides for this to be achieved through an unprecedented inspections process. We reaffirm that in the present circumstances nothing justifies abandoning the inspections process or resorting to force.

Messrs Blix and ElBaradei's successive reports to the Security Council have shown that these inspections are producing results. Iraq's disarmament is under way. There is every indication that it can be completed swiftly and by obeying the rules the Security Council has set. For her part, Iraq must cooperate actively and wholeheartedly.

France, Russia and Germany, supported by China, have presented proposals with a view to achieving this objective by prioritizing in order of importance the key disarmament tasks and setting a tighter timetable. Suggestions have been put forward in the same spirit by other Security Council members. It's on the basis of these efforts that the Security Council's unity can be maintained with due regard for the principles laid down by UNSCR 1441. A special responsibility falls to every Security Council member to avoid its division at this crucial moment.

UNMOVIC'S work programme is scheduled to be given to the Security Council on Tuesday. On this basis, we are proposing that the Council meet immediately afterwards at ministerial level to approve the priority disarmament tasks and decide on a demanding and realistic timetable for its implementation. Use of force can be only a last resort. We are solemnly calling on all the Council members to take every possible step to ensure that the peaceful route adopted in priority by the Security Council and supported by the vast majority of the international community prevails.