Posted on 03/17/2003 10:57:33 AM PST by knighthawk
FRANCE'S refusal to back a war in Iraq is a hypocritical ploy to reposition itself internationally, Prime Minister John Howard has said.
His comments came after French President Jacques Chirac reaffirmed France was ready to use its veto in the UN Security Council to block a resolution that would pave the way to war with Iraq.
President Chirac said Paris stood by its refusal to back any attack on Baghdad, opting for a diplomatic path that should be pursued "until we've come (to) a dead end".
However, Mr Howard today told ABC radio that France's position was hypocritical and inconsistent because it had backed the previous resolution to the UN Security Council.
It had also acknowledged that the military build-up in the Persian Gulf had increased Iraqi co-operation, he said.
"They (France) voted for resolution 1441 - the 17th resolution - and nobody is arguing that Iraq has complied with that 17th resolution and they are now saying they are going to veto an 18th resolution," Mr Howard said.
"They are also acknowledging ... that the American and British military build-up had in fact forced Iraq to let the inspectors in and to yield a few morsels of co-operation."
Mr Howard also questioned whether France expected the American and British troops to remain in the Gulf for another six to 12 months.
"There is a logical inconsistency with attacking the policy that has at its core the military build up, yet say 'thank you very much' for the benefits," Mr Howard said.
"I see an hypocrisy and inconsistency in all of that."
He argued: "The French, I believe, see this as an opportunity to reposition themselves in international diplomatic firmament rather than addressing the merits of disarming Iraq.
"I think that is very disappointing to say the least."
Not that I'm surprised...;o)
Thank you so much!
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