If you need urgent support, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. To contact our Crisis Messenger (open 24/7) text THEMIX to 85258.
Options
Paris may help in chemical war.
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Now see. Was that so freak'n hard?
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Despite French opposition to a war in Iraq, the French military could assist a U.S.-led coalition should Iraq use biological and chemical weapons against coalition forces, the French ambassador to the United States said Tuesday.
"If the war starts and if (President) Saddam Hussein uses chemical or biological weapons, it would change completely the situation for the French president and for the French government, and President (Jacques) Chirac will have to decide what we will do to help the American troops to confront this new situation.
"But I confirm it would change completely the perception and the situation for us," said Jean-David Levitte, who told CNN he hoped that biological and chemical weapons would not be used.
Although he declined to give details on the possible shape of French participation, Levitte said: "We have equipment to fight in these circumstances."
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Despite French opposition to a war in Iraq, the French military could assist a U.S.-led coalition should Iraq use biological and chemical weapons against coalition forces, the French ambassador to the United States said Tuesday.
"If the war starts and if (President) Saddam Hussein uses chemical or biological weapons, it would change completely the situation for the French president and for the French government, and President (Jacques) Chirac will have to decide what we will do to help the American troops to confront this new situation.
"But I confirm it would change completely the perception and the situation for us," said Jean-David Levitte, who told CNN he hoped that biological and chemical weapons would not be used.
Although he declined to give details on the possible shape of French participation, Levitte said: "We have equipment to fight in these circumstances."
0
Comments
The thing is, France & Co. don't want to attack because there is no direct evidence that Hussein has and will use chemical and biological weapons. If he uses them, then he obviously has them and is willing to use them, therefore war is justified.
This does not, however, mean that a war now is right, and that Chirac (or me) supports a war now.
They see there oil deals are slipping out of there hands, so now trying to patch things up with the US!
No point them helping, they'll surrender in under an hour!!;)
*Wont get the oil as well
-Can't fuck off the US otherwise life becomes very difficult!-
*Still wont get oil
It's all games isn't it, glad to see France will lose out tho!
Germany haven't done themselves any favours as well!, can understand Russia not wanting war.
The Russians don't want war at least partly because they don't see it as right not the same reason why the Americans want war, they see it as the right thing to do.....
"I'm glad the French will lose out"
WHY?
I don't believe that, they all have chosen their stands for a reason, and it’s there own self-interest they are looking after.
And I'm glad the French will lose out because I don't like their government. How can they let that scum Mr Mugabe (sp?) into their country like that! Just because they want to have some influence is Africa
They just come across to me as being very sly at the moment in my eyes.
In the case of the mugabe visit, whilst it was diplomatically embarrassing for the UK, it wasnt some unilateral act on behalf of Chirac to have him there. It was, rather, the collective will of the African nations which attended the convention that Mugabe be present.
Given that 2/3 of African nations are run by repressive dictatorships, its likely that no dialogue nor progress would be possible on a continent wide basis if selective dictatorships were denied an audience with European leaders.
Like it or not, there is no quick fix (in contrast to the Bush doctrine) that will result in a constructive and peaceful road ahead in world affairs.
Regarding the US and France in the Security Council. To me diplomacy is compromise. If the US feels Saddam is a threat...I wish they would have just gone after him. France and Russia have too much at stake regarding oil and trade deals to be expected to give them up. Although, Bulgaria is supporting the UK and US and that little, much poorer, country is owed a billion from Saddam too.
harmless, I assume you are similarly appalled at our govt for talking (talking, god no!:eek: ) to the leaders of China or Syria or Pakistan?
Apart from that though the French willingness to talk to Mugabe is in no way an endorsement of his policies, why should it be?
Also Chirac showed his distaste quite classily, kissed all the others leaders but only shook mugabes hand........
Perhaps he thought Mugabe would recoil at a French kiss?
Yes I am