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There has been a lot of discussion out there, just thought I would sum some things up which I think explain the facts as they stand.
1. UN resolution 1441 requires that Iraq demonstrate and prove their efforts at dissarmament due to their loss in the 90/91 Gulf War. It also requires that they not only allow inspectors to see the proof of their destruction of the weapons of Mass Destruction but to also voluntarily assist them in finding said documentation.
2. Hans Blix today said they have not done this. They have allowed access to places for the most part but are not cooperating in substance.
3. Iraq is in material breech of resolution 1441 and the earlier resolutions.
4. Egypt is #3 trading partner with Iraq on economic matters...#2 is Russia and #1 is France
5. In the food for oil department France is #3 in total dollars to Iraq, preceeded by ...you guessed it, Egypt and Russia.
6. France has over 3 billion dollars combined trade with Iraq, France stands to loose a lot if the US goes to war against Iraq as does Russia.
7. France and Germany have been dealing with Iraq outside the legally allowed (by the UN) regulations
8. France and Germany voted to back UN Resolution 1441 and their recent announcements show that they have renegged on their promises made to Colin Powell and to the UN.
9. Iraq under UN resolution 1441 is required to destroy all of its weapons of mass destruction which we already know and have established as fact (we being the world) Hans Blix has stated that a large quantity of these weapons are currently unaccounted for.
These are facts that are readily verifiable and well published. I hope this helps make the matter a bit clearer.
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