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Germany says "no" to military engagement in Iraq with UN mandate

IRNA

2003/08/19

Berlin, Aug 19, IRNA -- Germany will not engage itself militarily in 
Iraq, even in case of a UN mandate, press reports said Tuesday. 
"German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Foreign Minister 
Joschka Fischer have ruled out a military engagement in the 
reconstruction of Iraq, even in case of a UN mandate," the daily 
Sueddeutsche reported. 
Berlin will continue to engage itself militarily in Afghanistan 
and in the Balkans, and if requested by the United Nations, it can 
provide "material support" for the reconstruction of Iraq, but no 
military aid, the paper added. 
This would be the first time that Berlin definitively ruled out 
a military involvement in Iraq following recent reports that 
"theoretical" talks were being held over whether or not Germany 
should engage itself in Iraq or not. 
Berlin was among the staunchest opponents of the US-led war 
against Iraq, leading to a rift in ties with Washington. 
VKP/212 
End