German, French Leaders Reject Unilateral Action Against Iraq

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, September 09, 2002

German, French Leaders Reject Unilateral Action Against Iraq

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroederand French President Jacques Chirac expressed on Saturday evening their opposition to Washington's intended unilateral military action against Iraq.

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German Chancellor Gerhard Schroederand French President Jacques Chirac expressed on Saturday evening their opposition to Washington's intended unilateral military action against Iraq.

After an informal meeting with Chirac in Hanover, Schroeder reiterated that Germany under his government would not participatein any military strike on Iraq, a position which is not shared by France.

Schroeder said that both Berlin and Paris insist on no unilateral action on the issue of Iraq, an unconditional return ofUN inspectors to Iraq and a significant role by UN in resolving the Iraqi issue.

The goal of the international efforts should be the return of UN inspectors to Iraq, which should not be hindered by military means, he said.

Both leaders also agreed that steps should not be taken which would destroy the international coalition against terrorism, Schroeder said.

At the joint press conference after their meeting, Chirac said that France would wait for the consultation of the UN Security Council before considering whether it would join the military action.

"Only the security council is empowered to make such decision,"Chirac said, adding that he understood Germany's position.

"There is more or less a coherent European attitude," the French leader said.

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