France ready to mediate in Iraq
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
PARIS, Aug 27 (AFP): France is ready to act as a mediator in Iraq, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Monday, calling for the United Nations and Iraq's neighbours to take a more active role in helping to end the crisis in the war-torn country.
"Although the (US-led 2003) invasion ended a brutal dictatorship, the methods used to build a secure and democratic Iraq have failed," Kouchner wrote in the International Herald Tribune.
"It is time to start anew. There can be no lasting military solution to the crisis. The solution has to be political."
The minister said at least planning for the withdrawal of foreign troops must begin, in consultation with Iraqi authorities, if not commence immediately.
"At the same time, a broad-based government of national unity must be established. France is prepared to act as a mediator in this endeavor."
"Although the (US-led 2003) invasion ended a brutal dictatorship, the methods used to build a secure and democratic Iraq have failed," Kouchner wrote in the International Herald Tribune.
"It is time to start anew. There can be no lasting military solution to the crisis. The solution has to be political."
The minister said at least planning for the withdrawal of foreign troops must begin, in consultation with Iraqi authorities, if not commence immediately.
"At the same time, a broad-based government of national unity must be established. France is prepared to act as a mediator in this endeavor."