Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but equally not a sign that the country backs Cameron's stance.

In the last four months, however, some countries have backed away from the May agreement.

And several countries (Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan) have backed away.

But those countries have now turned against him and are backing the new rebellion.

This threat has faded, with some 200,000 foreign troops concentrated to defend this country and a formidable naval armada backing them.

Last year 122 countries backed the measure.

Since then, 35 European countries have backed the initiative.

Some countries have eagerly and publicly backed President Clinton's suggestion that force should not be ruled out.

It is a model which, unfortunately, we have seen and several countries backed it in the former Yugoslavia.

The country backs away from it in frightened and hardscrabble times.