The UN security council passed *unanimously* resolution 1464 sending UN peacekeepers and French soldiers in Ivory Coast to enforce a ceasefire signed by both parties. President Gbagbo violated those agreements by bombing rebel positions. Moreover, under UN mandate, French troops are fully entitled to protect themselves and threatened civilians (including of course non-French). Does that answer the question ?
Quote from bbc article
"The troops were authorized to take any necessary steps to ensure their own security and freedom of movement and "the protection of civilians threatened with imminent violence"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2727365.stmDoes that answer the question ? If you mean my question: So why is our State Dept. holding France's hand?
No it doesn't.
The French troops are basically doing what American troops are doing in various parts of Iraq. The French find fault with our Iraq policy, but have no problem putting down rebel forces in the Ivory Coast.
Do the French have a right to act as they do? Yes.
Do American troops have the same right? Yes.
The French have a duel standard for foreign policy when it comes to America, and I see no reason for our government to let them forget that fact.