Chirac Calls Iraq Resolution a Letdown

[salin]

Chirac Calls Iraq Resolution a Letdown

French President Jacques Chirac Says He Is Disappointed With New U.S. Postwar Iraq Resolution

The Associated Press

ROME Oct. 4 — The United States suffered a fresh setback Saturday in its efforts to secure a new U.N. resolution on Iraq, when French President Jacques Chirac called Washington's latest draft "a disappointment."

Chirac's comments came after U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued a strong rebuff to the American proposal, insisting he would not risk his staff to play the marginal political role in Iraq's reconstruction proposed by Washington.

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French diplomatic sources said France would not veto the U.S.-drafted resolution on Iraq. At worst, it would abstain, said the sources who asked not to be further identified. But Annan's tough stance could strengthen opposition among council members, making it tough for Washington to push the resolution through.

read more: http://abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20031004_620.html

[TheZoo]

1. Abstain?

I know I've seen what it means before, but what happens if France abstains from the resolution?

It sounds like Chirac is frustrated with what used to be the United States.

[Minstrel Boy]

2. It means neither yes nor no,

but to pass, the resolution requires a majority yes vote and no vetoes. So it's as good as a no, but doesn't carry the diplomatic stigma.

[realFedUp]

3. I think the Bushies just want to extend these negotiations

hoping that Congress gives them the dough
and they can just flip the finger at the
UN afterall.