The military agenda must not dictate the calendar of inspections. We cannot accept an ultimatum as long as inspectors are reporting cooperation.
Why choose division when our unity and resolve are leading Iraq to get rid of its weapons of mass destruction?
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Behind [British Foreign Minister Jack Straw's] presentation there is the idea of an ultimatum, the 17th of March. This is the logic of war. We don't accept this logic.
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By imposing a deadline of only a few days, would we merely be seeking a pretext for war? As a permanent member of the Security Council, I will say it again: France will not allow a resolution to pass that authorizes the automatic use of force.
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France believes that to make this choice ... the heads of state of the world must meet again here at the United Nations.
