March 9, 2003

US senator for investigation into French weapons sales to Iraq Daily Times, Pakistan - The US government should investigate reports that France allowed Iraq to obtain military equipment in violation of UN sanctions, a senior Republican senator said on Saturday. “There is no need for France to sell equipment to Saddam Hussein,” said Sen Ted Stevens of Alaska. “It is international treason. ... It is in violation of a UN resolution, and there should be no question — no question — about French officials. They should come forward quickly to deal with the story.” US officials told The Times that American intelligence had detected a French company selling aircraft and helicopter parts to Iraq for its French-made Mirage jets and Gazelle attack helicopters. The sales have been carried out since at least January. 4:28:59 PM