Updated 11 February 2003, 08.49

			Fact File
	Key dates
		5 Feb - US Secretary of State Powell to address UN Security Council
		14 Feb - further report from weapons inspectors
		27 Mar - Chief weapons inspector Hans Blix submits new report to UN

But France doesn't support the use of force at this stage.

However the leaders of the two countries insisted there was still "great friendship" between the UK and France.

The discussions are important because France has a key role to play at the United Nations.

They have what is called a veto at the UN, which means they can block a new ruling approving military action even if every other country voting thinks it should happen.

Iraq has been ordered to prove it is getting rid of its weapons under a tough UN rule called resolution 1441, and the US and UK think it has already broken this rule.

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