Today's Date:

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Yesterday in Brussels I welcomed, along with all my European colleagues, the new US approach in Iraq because it recognizes the principle of sovereignty we’ve constantly advocated over the past few months, because it envisages a transitional government even before the completion of the timetable for the drafting of a new constitution. But we’re facing an emergency, the worsening and spreading violence in Iraq, and throughout the region. Also, France, adopting a steadfast approach geared to making proposals and dialogue, seeks to defend the principles which alone can underpin a new regional and international order, the very ones which have inspired our action throughout the Iraq crisis. So we want to prioritize a political, concerted approach, since this alone can bring about a lasting solution. A global approach, because there’s no peace without justice, and so we must deal with all the problems confronting the region: Iraq, obviously, but also the Israeli-Arab conflict, regional security and the proliferation risk. A collective approach, because only the United Nations can provide the full legitimacy absolutely necessary for resolving this crisis. Today, these principles must reunite us in the pursuit of three objectives.

First of all to speed up and broaden the political process. It's the only effective way to break the spiral of terrorism. We can't wait; this process must include all the Iraqis opposed to violence, particularly the groups today excluded from the political stage.

Secondly, we must involve all the region's States and make them aware of their responsibilities in order to reintegrate Iraq in her regional environment.

Finally, let's give the United Nations an effective part to play in supporting the transition in Iraq. This is why we are arguing for the appointment of a special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General.

Confronted by these extremely difficult problems, let us be demanding, [adopt an approach] commensurate with the stakes. A united international community defending a vision and common principles remains, today as yesterday, the best guarantee of the legitimacy and efficacy of its action./.