In a clear reference to veto-wielding France, Blair told parliament that Britain would be prepared to launch military action if “it is clear that Iraq is in material breach, but for some reason someone puts down what I would describe as an unreasonable, capricious use of the veto,” Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

On Tuesday, Blair’s attempt to “persuade” French President Jacques Chirac to join Britain in its insistence to attack Iraq failed with France’s determination that the moment for military force remained remote as there’s a lot to be done through peaceful means.

“War is always the worst of solutions. We think there is still a lot to be done on the issue of disarmament through peaceful means,” Chirac said after talks in the northern French resort city of Le Touquet on Tuesday, February 4.

“What is essential is to allow the inspectors to carry on with their work,” he added.

Asked after the talks if he is prepared to use France’s veto to block a second U.N. resolution, he said France would fulfill its responsibilities “as it sees fit at the appropriate time and in the light of the circumstances at that time.”

But Paris still has not ruled out using its veto at the U.N., even though that would trigger a lasting crisis in its relations with Washington, the BBC’s online news service reported.

Some observers still believe Chirac will be talked into reluctant co-operation at the 11th hour - others argue that he may hold out, emboldened by public opposition to war, it added.

Germany to Hold On No Matter What Powell Says

In another development, a German government spokesman said that Germany will not vote for war on Iraq no matter what evidence U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell presents to the U.N. Security Council on Baghdad’s alleged weapons program, AFP reported.

The spokesman, Bela Anda, said Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s stance would not change. The chancellor had said last month that Germany would not vote in favor of war at the Security Council.

Asked if that position would remain no matter what Powell told the U.N. body later Wednesday, the spokesman replied: “That is correct. That is the situation.”

Schroeder’s opposition to war is popular in Germany, but has angered the United States and seriously dented their traditionally close relationship.

Powell Report Signals War Is Coming

In Damascus, Syria’s official press said that Powell’s report to the Security Council later Wednesday is a clear signal that war is imminent.

“The proof that Powell is to present is predictable, known and gives a clear signal that war is coming. It aims to finalize the U.S. war plan which is in its final phase,” the government daily Tishrin said.

The paper predicted however that the United States would not have the final say on the course of the war. “Washington, which decided on war a long time ago and has been seeking pretexts ... is capable of setting a date for the start of war but not for its end,” Tishrin said.

The ruling Baath party’s daily said that if Powell failed to provide “clear proof on the whereabouts of the hidden weapons of mass destruction, the American allegations will be unjustified to launch an attack on Iraq.”

Syria is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, so, unlike the five major powers - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - it does not have veto powers.