Military action won't solve Iran conflict-French PM

PARIS, May 4 (Reuters) Military action is not the solution to the Western powers' standoff with Iran over its nuclear programme, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said today.

''My conviction is that military action is certainly no solution,'' Villepin told a monthly news conference.

''We should collectively prove our firmness. The international community must assume all of its responsibilities. We must draw the consequences of a refusal by Iran if that were confirmed to ooperate. It is essential to maintain the unity of the international community,'' he said.

Reuters SY VV1705