The leaders of France, Germany and Russia, all of whom have publicly opposed the war in Iraq, said Friday that Washington should give the United Nations a leading role in the governance of post-war Iraq.

By PBS News Hour

French President Jacques Chirac said Monday that "no matter what the circumstances" France will vote against a new U.S.-backed resolution currently being considered by the United Nations Security Council.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with French President Jacques Chirac Tuesday in an unsuccessful diplomatic push to sway the French leader to join a U.S.-led military coalition prepared to take military action against Saddam Hussein.

French voters re-elected President Jacques Chirac en masse Sunday, in an election that was more a rejection of extreme-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen than a show of support for Chirac's policies.