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January 30, 2003, 16:15
The European Parliament has said that Iraq's behaviour toward UN arms inspectors did not justify military action and urged the US to avoid any unilateral use of force.
In a non-binding resolution reflecting unease in Europe at the prospect of looming war, EU lawmakers declared: "Breaches of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 currently identified by the inspectors with regard to weapons of mass destruction do not justify military action."
Lawmakers voted by 287 votes in favour of the resolution and 209 against with 26 abstentions, as their governments wrangled over how far to support President George W. Bush's tough line towards Baghdad.
The European Parliament resolution said any pre-emptive strike by the US and its allies would violate international law and lead to a deeper crisis in the region.
Earlier yesterday, eight European leaders including Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, signed an open letter calling on the peace camp - implicitly France and Germany - to rally to the US standard against Iraq. - Reuters
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| RELATED STORIES | | UN Security Council still divided over Iraq (January 30, 2003, 06:45) | | Saddam vows to 'break the neck' of the US (January 29, 2003, 22:00) | | US may consider 2nd Iraq resolution: Powell (January 29, 2003, 21:15) | | Bush vows to go it alone (January 29, 2003, 18:00) | | UN Council debates Iraq crisis ahead of Powell visit (January 29, 2003, 09:00) |
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