Iraq Speech by Cheney Is Criticized by Schröder

BERLIN, Aug. 27 — Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of Germany has criticized the speech on Monday by Vice President Dick Cheney, saying that it signals a mistaken shift in American aims regarding Iraq.

In an interview broadcast tonight on RTL television, Mr. Schröder said the goal of the Bush administration no longer seems to be to persuade Iraq to allow unconditional arms inspections by United Nations experts. Instead, he said, the American goal seems to be to remove Mr. Hussein by military means regardless of whether inspections occur, which he says will undermine the chance of getting Iraq to allow the inspections.

"If the aim changes now, then it's one's own responsibility," Mr. Schröder said. "If somebody is to be removed with the aid of a military intervention, you can hardly convince him to let inspectors into his country. It's the change of aim that is the mistake."

European governments, including America's closest ally, Britain, have emphasized international pressure, including the threat of force, to make Iraq comply with United Nations resolutions and to allow unfettered arms inspections.

The British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has said weapons inspections are the best way of reducing the threat posed by Mr. Hussein.

Military action had to remain an option but the possibility of an attack would "recede," Mr. Straw said, if other ways of addressing the risk of Iraq were found.