EU backs possible use of force

The European Union, in a significant shift towards US thinking, said yesterday use of force might be necessary where diplomacy failed to address threats from weapons of mass destruction.

EU foreign ministers adopted a strategy to combat the spread of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons for the first time, including a reference to possible military action as a last resort against states or "terrorists" that acquired such arms.

They also demanded that Iran, accused by Washington of trying to develop atomic arms, accept tougher UN inspections of its nuclear programme immediately and unconditionally if it wants a trade deal with the 15-nation bloc.

The EU said preventive measures such as treaties, dialogue and inspections should be the first line of defence against the proliferation of the world's most dangerous weapons.

But "when these measures (including political dialogue and diplomatic pressure) have failed, coercive measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter and international law (sanctions, selective or global, interceptions of shipments and, as appropriate, the use of force) could be envisioned," it said.

Ministers endorsed the strategy, coupled with an action plan giving the fight against WMD priority in EU relations with third countries, on the day they voiced serious concern at aspects of Iran's nuclear programme.

But Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who chaired the meeting, insisted the reference to possible use of force was not related to the separate statement on Iran.

Diplomats said the moves were part of an EU drive to take the WMD threat more seriously and repair transatlantic relations after a severe rift over the US-led invasion of Iraq.

The EU document did, however, insist that action should be approved by the United Nations, whose Security Council it said "should play a central role".