IRAQ COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC
	(Paris, 18 March 2003)

An ultimatum has just been issued to Iraq, without consultation of the United Nations Security Council. This unilateral decision goes against the will of the Security Council and the international community, which desire to pursue Iraq's disarmament in accordance with UNSCR 1441.

Regardless of the goal pursued, France reiterates that the Security Council alone is authorized to legitimize the use of force.

France appeals to everyone to act responsibly to ensure respect for international legality. To act outside the authority of the United Nations, to prefer the use of force to compliance with the law, would incur a heavy responsibility./.