If Iraq War Begins - France to 'defend economy' (Chirac Alert)

CNEWS ^ | 11 March, 2003

[Happy2BMe]

PARIS (AP) - France is preparing measures to boost the economy and guard against security threats in case of a U.S.-led war against Iraq, the prime minister said Tuesday.

Jean-Pierre Raffarin did not offer specifics on the steps he would take in case of war, but said the government would undertake "a mobilization for employment and to defend the economy." Speaking after a meeting with parliamentary leaders, he added that the government would "put the country on alert against all threats that could lead to racism or anti-Semitism."

In the last two years, France has suffered a wave of violence against Jewish schools, temples and cemeteries that has coincided with new the latest Palestinian uprising against the Israeli occupation. France is home to some five million Muslims.

Raffarin also said that he would move to make sure that divisions in Europe over the prospect of military action in Iraq does not affect European integration.

"We don't want Europe to be one of the victims of the Iraq crisis," he said.

France is a leading opponent to a U.S.-led military campaign against Iraq, and President Jacques Chirac said Monday that France would veto any resolution that would authorize war.

Chirac's stance won support from his own centre-right party and others, including the far-right Jean-Marie Le Pen, whom Chirac soundly defeated in last year's presidential election.

Speaking on France Info radio, Le Pen on Monday praised Chirac's "firm resolution to act against the war, and as well to use veto power."

Socialist Jack Lang, a former education minister, said Tuesday he approved "100 per cent with what he (Chirac) said."

"I believe that the engagement of France . . . is firm, clear and just."

Chirac met Tuesday with the foreign minister of Qatar, Sheik Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, who said he hoped there was still a way to avoid war with Iraq.

"All of us are trying to avoid a war," the Qatari minister told reporters after the meeting. "We hope that there will not be a war and there is a slim chance there won't be."

[Happy2BMe]

[Beck_isright]

How do the French defending anything with just a white flag?

Bunch of damned cheese eating surrender monkeys.

[agincourt1415]

France Deploys to DEFEND IRAQ? Unfortunately the Carrier DeGaull strikes the the Rock of Gibraltor and sinks with all hands.

[Clara Lou]

That Jacques-- I'm in awe of his heroism on the economic front. I have no doubt that he's just the man for the French-- tough talk when there are no consequences.

[Dog]

Look what Chirac was doing today....

Chirac met Tuesday with the foreign minister of Qatar, Sheik Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, who said he hoped there was still a way to avoid war with Iraq.

"All of us are trying to avoid a war," the Qatari minister told reporters after the meeting. "We hope that there will not be a war and there is a slim chance there won't be."

I don't trust Chirac to be talking to Qatar.......CentCom is based there....leave it to the French to try and have us booted.

[Cicero]

Other than sounding the call to French patriotism to solidify his political position, I'm not sure what this means, unless he hopes to blame the war in Iraq for causing French economic problems. That way if the economy tanks it would be Bush's fault, not his.

Gray Davis tried that ploy during the California energy crisis, but the voters didn't believe him. We'll see if Chirac can do better.

[dinok]

What do you expect when they drove that carrier backwards?

[Shermy]

Schroeder already floated an idea that Germany may violate EU spending rules due to a war in Iraq.

[Happy2BMe]

"That way if the economy tanks it would be Bush's fault, not his."

Saddam, Chirac, and Schroeder could fit in with these people like a glove:

[river rat]

I would like to hear Chirac's plan to replace his American and English customer base -- and the loss of the IRAQI customer base and cheap source of oil....

France MUST feel the consequences of their criminal treachery...

I will legally disinherit any member of my family that knowingly purchase ANY significant French or German products during my remaining lifetime....

My family KNOWS me.....I don't just get mad.... I GET EVEN....They KNOW I mean it...

Semper Fi

[EaglesUpForever]

"We don't want Europe to be one of the victims of the Iraq crisis," he said.

Wouldn't want them to lose out on their ill-gotten gains from Iraq...

[1stFreedom]

French gonna defend their economy?

In typical French fashion, that means they'll surrender. They'll just let other nations take over their economy.

[Dog Gone]

Well, lookie here. The French are worried about their economy if war breaks out. Now why would that be? Perhaps because their economy is tied to Saddam's?

And they're worried about a division within Europe? You mean, France and Germany against everyone else?

I sense a little paranoia in France.

Rightfully so. Something stinks in Paris, and this time it isn't just the sidewalks.

[EternalHope]

Well, lookie here. The French are worried about their economy if war breaks out. Now why would that be? Perhaps because their economy is tied to Saddam's?

Or perhaps because Americans are no longer buying anything French?

Chirac has gone way too far. I suspect he can look forward to hearing about all the military hardware the French sold Saddam, maybe even in Congressional hearings. Should be fun.

France, and Chirac personally, will pay.

[Happy2BMe]

If you love America, then click HERE - NOW!

[Poincare]

Americans here at home don't buy much French goods anyway. I hear that the greatest flow of American dollars to France is tourist dollars.

No American tourists to France!

[Future Useless Eater]

How about Freepers organizing a DUMP FRENCH WHINE WINE campaign.

Anyone who can make it to Manhattan, show up for a publicized dumping of their French Wines (or Perrier) down the SEWER in front of the U.N. building.

Everyone else, ship their French crap to a freeper middleman in N.Y. to do the honors for us?

[meema]

Defend awayyyy, chirac! Have fun. useless cheeseeating surrender monkey. Just stay out of our way.
And see if you can send enough frenchmen to row that 'carrier' back home.
We won't be needing it, and might not take too kindly to your spies.

[Happy2BMe]

America's Finest - The SpearTip of Freedom. (Photos of our deploying troops - share yours)

If you love America, then click HERE - NOW!

[Ooh-Ah]

C'est l'économie, stupide!