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Iraq resolution may not go before Security Council
Spain has announced the British-Spanish-US resolution on Iraq may be withdrawn because of France's veto threat. Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio spoke after talks with her French counterpart Dominique de Villepin and other government officials. The resolution is being co-sponsored by the US, Britain and Spain and sets a deadline for Iraq to prove it has ridded itself of arms of mass destruction. France, Russia and China have said they will oppose any resolution endorsing war against Iraq. Palacio said that if there is a vote she expects it by Friday at the latest, but that conceivably there might not be one. "Clearly, not putting it to a vote is a possibility which is being considered," Palacio said. "We are considering it, above all in view of the already absolute and emphatic affirmation by France of a veto, because a veto is undoubtedly something which has consequences for the United Nations system," she said.That's why we want to see a veto! Please!!! Palacio said withdrawal of the resolution was a possibility even if it had garnered the nine votes necessary for passage by the 15 member UN Security Council. Before her meeting in Paris, Palacio said Spain is open to changes to the resolution on Iraq, but the measure must ensure the "total disarmament" of Saddam Hussein. Back in Madrid, Palacio said Spain is willing to extend the disarmament deadline by a "a few days" but no more. Posted by: Bulldog 2003-03-12 |
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