As the United States and ally United Kingdom amassed half a million Armed Forces with all modern warfare of armoured vehicles, fighter planes and heavy bombers stationed on the territory of friendly nations in the region. (Qatar and Saudi Arabia) which are shouldering the costs of a military operation similar to 1991. Turkey expressed their neutrality by not participating and rejecting the request by president George Bush to launch the invasion from their territory. Saudi King expressed doubt on the mission, especially as the Sunni population is in a minority. Bringing "democracy" would tip the balance to Iran and the Shia suppressed majority. President Mubarak of Egypt warned Bush and Blair, the invasion would open Pandora's Box.

Statement by France to Security Council

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 14 -- Following is a transcript of the remarks of the French foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, before the United Nations Security Council today, as recorded by the Federal News Service.

DOMINIQUE GALOUZEAU DE VILLEPIN (French minister of foreign affairs): (Through interpreter.) Mr. President, Mr. Secretary- General, distinguished ministers, distinguished ambassadors, I would like to thank Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei for the information they have given us on the continuing inspections in Iraq. I would like to reiterate to them France's confidence and complete support in their work.

....
You know the value that France has placed on the unity of the Security Council from the outset of the Iraq crisis. This unity rests on two fundamental elements at this time. We are pursuing together the objective of effectively disarming Iraq. We have an obligation to achieve results. Let us not cast doubt on our common commitment to this goal.
In the ballistic area, the information provided by Iraq has enabled the inspectors to make progress. We now know exactly the real capabilities of the Al-Samoud missile. The unauthorized programs must now be dismantled in accordance with Mr. Blix's conclusions.

In the nuclear domain, useful information has been given to the IAEA on the most important points discussed by Mr. ElBaradei on 27 January. The acquisition of magnets that could be used to enrich uranium and the list of contacts between Iraq and the country likely to have provided it with uranium.

And so here we are at the heart of the logic of Resolution 1441, which must ensure effective inspections through precisely identifying banned programs and then eliminating them. We all realize that success in the inspections presupposes that we get full and complete cooperation from Iraq. France has consistently demanded this.

Real progress is emerging. Iraq has agreed to aerial reconnaissance over its territory; it has allowed Iraqi scientists to be questioned by inspectors without witnesses; a bill barring all activities linked to weapons of mass destruction programs is being adopted, which is in accordance with the long-standing request from the inspectors; and Iraq is providing a detailed list of experts who witnessed the destruction of military programs in 1991.

Sismi and the FBI: Yella Cake saga and alu tubes

'Sapere aude'