“Leaders’ statement on Iraq: Full text,” BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2708877.stm, 30 January 2003.

“Chirac lashes out at ‘new Europe’,” CNN, http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/02/18/sprj.irq.chirac/, 18 February 2003.

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 Posted: 10:06 AM EST (1506 GMT)

Old news. But in the face of revisionism it’s nice to look back at the run-up to the Iraq War.

About the time eight European nations came together to endorse the Iraq War

The Iraqi regime and its weapons of mass destruction represent a clear threat to world security.

This danger has been explicitly recognized by the United Nations.

All of us are bound by Security Council Resolution 1441, which was adopted unanimously.

We Europeans have since reiterated our backing for Resolution 1441, our wish to pursue the UN route and our support for the Security Council, at the Prague Nato Summit and the Copenhagen European Council.

In doing so, we sent a clear, firm and unequivocal message that we would rid the world of the danger posed by Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction.

We must remain united in insisting that his regime is disarmed.

The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our best hope of achieving this peacefully. Our strength lies in unity.

The combination of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism is a threat of incalculable consequences.

Jacque Chirac acted like a spoiled child, calling on the nations France did so little to liberate from tyranny to “shut up”

French President Jacques Chirac has attacked eastern European countries hoping to join the EU, saying they missed a great opportunity to “shut up” when they signed letters backing the U.S. position on Iraq.

France has been a leading voice against Washington’s press for war in Iraq to disarm President Saddam Hussein and is insisting weapons inspectors in the country be given more time.

But 13 countries either set to join the EU or in membership talks have signed letters supporting the United States.

…

“Romania and Bulgaria were particularly irresponsible. If they wanted to diminish their chances of joining Europe they could not have found a better way,” Chirac said.

The French Republic…. of blighted unilateralism