France has hit back at criticism over its refusal to back a second United Nations resolution.

Ministers and diplomats rejected claims that the decision to block a new resolution had made a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis impossible.

President Chirac claimed France's opposition to war was a view shared by the great majority of the international community.

"The United States has just issued an ultimatum to Iraq. Whether, I repeat, it's a matter of the necessary disarmament of Iraq or of the desirable change of regime in that country, there is no justification for a unilateral decision to resort to war," he said.

He again claimed a war was unnecessary as Iraq's disarmament was under way.

"The inspections have proved to be a credible alternative method of disarming that country," he said.

"It is also a decision which jeopardizes future use of methods to resolve peacefully crises linked to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

"Iraq does not today present an immediate threat warranting an immediate war."

The French ambassador to London, Gerard Errera, claimed the chances of a peaceful solution had failed when Britain and America tabled their ultimatum to the security council.

"That resolution never had a chance to get a majority - with or without the help of France.

"The question is when was it damaged. Why breach the unanimity? There was agreement," he said. "The only reason this second resolution was put forward was because it paved the way for war."

He accused Britain and the US of trying to make France the scapegoat.

"I think some have not resisted the temptation to play the blame game to excuse or explain their own choices. There is a limit to the power of spin," he said.

France's foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, warned that military intervention in Iraq would have "serious consequences" for the Middle East and the rest of the world.

"Despite the wish clearly expressed by the international community, the United States, Britain and Spain today stressed their determination to resort to force," he said in a statement.

M De Villepin said it was vital that the UN was not sidelined. "In line with its convictions, France reaffirms that, whatever the circumstances, the United Nations as the holder of international legitimacy must play a central role in solving the Iraqi crisis," he said.