French aircraft leaves for Iraq

Paris - Some 115 European politicians, clergymen and members of non-governmental organisations flew to Baghdad from Paris yesterday…

Paris - Some 115 European politicians, clergymen and members of non-governmental organisations flew to Baghdad from Paris yesterday afternoon, testing UN sanctions against Iraq.

The French aircraft left for a three-day trip to the Iraqi capital in apparent defiance of the US and Britain whose governments argue that such flights need the approval of the UN's sanctions committee. At least 10 countries, including Spain, Ireland and Russia, have sent planes to Baghdad to underline their view that humanitarian flights can be undertaken without UN approval.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter