France, Germany and Russia united Wednesday, saying they will not authorize a U.N.-backed military action in Iraq.
In an emergency meeting in Paris, foreign ministers from the three countries joined forces and increased the division in the security council regarding Iraq.
Hours after their announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, asking for international unity and accusing Saddam Hussein of trying to create dissent within the United Nations.
\He has, as one of his major goals, to divide the international community, to split us into arguing factions,"" Powell said. ""That effort must fail.""
Powell also reiterated the Bush administration's stance that Iraq is concealing weapons of mass destruction and that Hussein has thrown away his ""one last chance.""
A spokesperson of the German Embassy, who asked not to be named, said the announcement Wednesday by the three countries re-emphasizes the German government's assertion that more weapons inspections should take place in Iraq before a military assault is needed.
""Our main position is that the inspection really works,"" he said.
However, the spokesperson did note that the German embassy in New York hinted at the possibility of a compromise on the Iraq situation.
In order for a U.N.-backed military resolution to take place, the Security Counci of 15 countries must have at least nine affirming votes. Also, there cannot be a veto by any of the five permanent members, which include the United States, France, China, Russia and France.
Consequently, both France and Russia have the power to block any decision by the U.N. to attack Iraq. Since Germany is not a permanent member on the Council, they do not share this distinction.
Despite the declaration by the three countries, U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq remained optimistic that a common ground could be found.
""Last November there was talk that it would be difficult to achieve Security Council unity, and yet all 15 members united behind Resolution 1441, which calls on Iraq to disarm,"" he said.
Haq added that U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has always stressed the Security Council works best when it is united.
In his speech Wednesday, Powell reasoned with those countries reluctant to use military force in Iraq, and pleaded for unity.
""If these divisions continue, they will only convince Saddam Hussein that he is right. But I can assure you, he is wrong.""
