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IRAN

Q - Does France favor Chapter 7 which authorizes the use of force?

As you know, in the presidential statement of March 29, the Security Council made a number of clear, simple demands addressed to Iran. In Berlin ministers reaffirmed their unity of views on the goals. Mr. ElBaradei's report is to be sent to the Security Council and IAEA Board before April 28. The Security Council will then evaluate the situation and decide what line to take depending whether or not Iran complies with the international demands.

As President Chirac said, our objective is to find a diplomatic solution to this question within the framework of the multilateral system.

Faced with the concerns caused by Tehran's failure to comply with international demands, it will be more necessary than ever to reaffirm the international community's determination.

Q - For France, as a Security Council member, does it see chapter 7 as a way to increase legitimacy, to give more weight to the measures--Ms Rice's point of view--or on the contrary as the start of a dangerous spiral and something that will get out of control, it's somewhat a question of interpretation?

France will make a decision with its Security Council partners in light of the report that will be presented at the end of the month.

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