Paris, 10 February 2003 (RFE/RL) -- France, Germany, and Russia today called jointly for measures to increase weapons inspections in Iraq. French President Jacques Chirac read out the common statement at a press conference in Paris in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin met with German leaders in Berlin yesterday.
Chirac said that there is "still an alternative to war." He said that while Iraq's weapons capabilities must be neutralized as quickly as possible, that the use of military force against Iraq can only "be a last resort."
The French leader added that "nothing justifies a war" in Iraq, and that Iraq's disarmament can be achieved through UN weapons inspections.
Chirac said that there is "still an alternative to war." He said that while Iraq's weapons capabilities must be neutralized as quickly as possible, that the use of military force against Iraq can only "be a last resort."
The French leader added that "nothing justifies a war" in Iraq, and that Iraq's disarmament can be achieved through UN weapons inspections.