French President Jacques Chirac warned that a U.S. invasion of Iraq would only inflame terrorism by giving rise to “little bin Ladens” – and also offered President Bush “friendly advice” how to back off from war.
“A war of this kind can’t help but give a big lift to terrorism,” Chirac told Time magazine.
Two European allies, France and Germany, have been accused of anti-Americanism for blocking U.S. plans to attack Iraq if Saddam Hussein fails to disarm.
But in an interview with the magazine, Chirac insisted his country’s decision was not based on anti-American sentiment.
“I really like the United States,” said Chirac, drawing on his years working as a forklift operator in St. Louis and a soda jerk at a Howard Johnson’s.
“I love junk food, and I always come home with a few extra pounds. When I hear people say I am anti-American, I’m sad – not angry, but really sad.”
He also offered Bush “friendly advice” how to bow out gracefully if Saddam comes clean with U.N. weapons inspectors.
“Mr. Bush can say two things: First, ‘Thanks to my intervention, Iraq has been disarmed,’ and second, ‘I achieved all that without spilling any blood.’ “
Chirac also said he didn’t think Iraq was in possession of nuclear weapons.
“Are there other weapons of mass destruction? That’s probable. We have to find and destroy them,” he said.
In fact, U.N. resolutions require Iraq to destroy such arms itself.