Fed: French claim of illegal war is rubbish, says Dauth

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Fed: French claim of illegal war is rubbish, says Dauth

CANBERRA, April 1 AAP - Australia's ambassador to the United Nations today told Franceits claim the coalition's strike on Iraq was illegal was rubbish.

During a radio debate, John Dauth told an adviser to French President Jacques Chiracthat France's attempt to decide what was legal and what was not was wrong.

Chirac adviser Jacques Myard said UN resolution 1441, calling for the disarmament ofIraq, did not give a legal base for military action.

"Today we have to wonder how are we going to restore the system, because there is nodoubt that this is a strike against the system itself," Mr Myard, a member of France'slower house's foreign affairs committee, told ABC Radio.

But Mr Dauth dismissed the claim.

"That's just rubbish," he told ABC Radio.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry to be intemperate, but the allegation of our French friend tohimself of a right to decide what's legal and what's not is just nonsense.

"There is plenty of strong legal argument in favour of the coalition in this respect."

Mr Dauth said it wasn't surprising that legal debate was raging.

"Frankly, two lawyers will always give you a legal debate, but there is plenty of legalsupport for what the coalition has done," he said.

"And my government, and the governments of the United Kingdom and the government ofthe United States, are on strong grounds on all of that."

Mr Dauth said there was much work to be done to put together a common purpose on theUN Security Council in relation to Iraq.

"And I hope, very much, the governments of France and Russia and others on the councilwill focus on their responsibilities in this respect," he said.

"I mean there's a lot of work to be done in respect of post-war Iraq, which will requirethe full engagement of the international community, and the Council can restore it."

AAP lm/sb/tnf

KEYWORD: IRAQ AUST DAUTH