January 31, 2003	Friday	Ziqa’ad 27, 1423

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BRUSSELS, Jan 30: The European Parliament on Thursday warned against unilateral American military action against Iraq, saying a war would trigger a “deeper crisis” with other countries in the region.

A pre-emptive strike against Baghdad would be illegal under international law, the parliament insisted.

Iraq’s breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 did not justify military action, the resolution said, adding: “Any further steps must be taken by the Security Council after a full assessment of the situation.”

The parliament called on Iraq to comply with the Security Council’s demands and to give unconditional access to UN weapons inspectors.

It said all political and diplomatic avenues must be explored in order to secure a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

The parliamentary vote further spotlighted deep differences among members of the 15-nation bloc on policy towards Iraq.

Eight European leaders led by Britain and Spain appealed for solidarity with the US on Iraq on Thursday — prompting outrage in Brussels and other EU capitals.

EU officials insisted the eight were not expressing the bloc’s policy, only their personal opinion.

Signed by leaders of EU members — Spain, Italy, Britain, Portugal and Denmark, along with Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, the statement was described as a slap in the face for French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Both have voiced strong reservations about US policy on Iraq, with Germany warning that it will not take part in any military action against Baghdad.

Diplomats said the eight leaders had also dealt a blow to efforts to forge a common European foreign and security policy.

The controversial statement came just two days after the 15 EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels pleaded for United Nations inspectors to be given more time to fulfil their mission in Baghdad, and for the UN Security Council to remain in charge of international policy on Iraq.