![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/50000/images/_51396_butler150.jpg)
![image: [ Iraqis digesting news of the latest diplomacy ]](/olmedia/50000/images/_51396_Copy_of_iraq.jpg)
The French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine expressed doubts about Mr Butler's assertion that Iraq possessed large quantities of anthrax.
He suggested that Mr Butler was exceeding his role.
A French government spokesman added that Mr Butler's claims did not conform with the information provided to the Security Council - which France currently chairs.
The rebuke came as President Chirac held talks in Paris on Iraq with the Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov.
Afterwards, Mr Primakov said they had agreed that everything possible should be done to keep the situation stable; and Iraq must respect United Nations resolutions.
Mr Butler has previously been criticised for speaking to journalists before briefing the Security Council.
In Israel itself, a senior official warned Iraq that any attack on Israeli territory would be much more dangerous for Iraq than for Israel.
On Thursday, the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, is due in Paris to discuss the crisis amid growing signs that the United States and Britain are ready to contemplate military action against Iraq.
Russian envoy in Iraq
On Tuesday a Russian envoy, Deputy Foreign Minister, Viktor Posavalyuk, held talks in Baghdad to try to end the stand-off.
He told the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Tariq Aziz, that Russia was still committed to a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Military action would "neither lead to boosting security in the region nor to implementation of international resolutions," said Mr Posuvalyuk.
Iraq criticises weapons inspector
![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/50000/images/_51396_saddam150.jpg)
The Iraqi Government is showing little sign of compromise. Baghdad had earlier accused the head of the UN inspection teams, Richard Butler, of trying to involve Israel in attacks on Iraq.
The government also annouced on Wednesday that it is to cut infant milk rations again next month because the United States has blocked supplies under the United Nations oil-for-food programme.
Under the programme, Iraq can sell some oil for humanitarian supplies to ease the impact of UN sanctions.
A spokesman for Iraq's Trade Ministry said that the United States had used its authority to block supplies.
Blair warns Saddam as Gulf tensions rise
(27 Jan 98 | UK)
Clinton threatens Saddam
(28 Jan 98 | World)
UN's Butler "inciting" Israel, says Iraq
(28 Jan 98 | World)
US pessimistic about Russian envoy
(27 Jan 98 | World)
Iraq: pressure for military action grows
(21 Jan 98 | World)
The United Nations
Iraqi National Congress
The White House
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Iraq go-ahead for UN inspectors
Search for missing plane suspended
Australia debating future
Albright denies no Arab support
Annan calls for increase in Iraqi oil sales
Gulf states differ over Iraq crisis
Iraq faces massive force build-up
Israel deploys Patriot missiles
Schoolgirls injured in Bethlehem clashes
Transatlantic shares frenzy
(From Business)
Death row woman awaits clemency decision
Nail-biting wait for balloon crew
Authorities in Nazi bunker poser
Protests precede Charles's visit to Sri Lanka
Many die in Sri Lanka battle
Sci-fi writer's knighthood ceremony delayed
'Miracle' cancer cure to be tested
Rockets to record global warming
Egyptian militants sentenced to death
El Nino encourages mosquitoes in South America
Huge turn out at Sonia Gandhi election rally
Four poets arrested in China, say monitors