US ultimatum contrary to will of UN
2003-03-18 08:14
Paris - The ultimatum issued to Iraq by US President George W Bush was a "unilateral decision" that was "contrary to the will of the UN security council," the French presidency said early on Tuesday.
Bush late on Monday warned President Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq within 48 hours or face a US-led war to topple his "dying regime" and strip Baghdad of weapons of mass destruction.
"An ultimatum has been sent to Iraq, without consultations with the United Nations security council," the Elysee Palace said in a communique.
"This unilateral decision is contrary to the will of the UN security council and of the international community which want to continue the disarmament of Iraq in line with Resolution 1441," the communique said.
- AFX