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Blair Recalls Parliament Over Iraq
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
(16:47 GMT)
The Cable News Network

Blair: "We should do everything we can to stop (Saddam) using weapons he has."
Image Credit: The Associated Press.

French President Jacques Chirac, who has been supportive of tackling the issue through the U.N., moved towards a solution when he proposed on Tuesday putting forward U.N. Security Council resolution giving Baghdad a three-week deadline for letting weapons inspectors back before a second vote on the use of military force.

LONDON, England -- CNN
Prime Minister Tony Blair has asked for Britain's parliament to be recalled to debate the possibility of military action against Iraq.

In a letter to House of Commons speaker Michael Martin, Blair wrote: "I would like, with your permission, to recall parliament for a one day debate...during the week beginning September 23rd."

Blair is a staunch supporter of Washington's tough line on Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, and has faced mounting calls from opposition Conservatives and his own ruling Labour Party to give parliament an opportunity to discuss the crisis.

Parliament is not officially due to return from its summer recess until October 15. Members were last recalled in April to mark the death of Britain's Queen Mother and in October 2001 to debate military action in Afghanistan.

Government sources told The Associated Press the most likely date for the debate is September 24, one day after a cabinet meeting expected to be dominated by Iraq.
(More: CNN.com News Source)
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Dan