MY A$$$$$$$
Posted on 01/12/2005 9:37:52 AM PST by areafiftyone
PARIS (Reuters) - France called for a new start to relations with the United States on Wednesday after a long chill over the Iraq war and said the countries' leaders should talk more often.
Foreign Minister Michel Barnier made transatlantic relations a priority in a speech outlining his goals in 2005. His comments echoed overtures to Washington by President Jacques Chirac and followed signs that President Bush wants better ties.
"I think 2005 should mark a new start in our relations, between the United States and France and between the United States and Europe," he told reporters gathered at the Foreign Ministry for the minister's traditional New Year greetings.
Barnier, who visited Washington last month, said relations should be based on "listening to each other, having a more regular dialogue and mutual respect." He has said he planned to visit the United States every three to four months.
"I think the NATO summit will be one of the occasions to enter into these new, constructive relations between Europe and the United States," Barnier said, referring to Bush's planned visit to NATO and the European Union on Feb. 22.
U.S.-French relations deteriorated sharply over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, but both presidents have signaled they want to make a new start during Bush's second term and are due to hold talks in Washington in the next few weeks.
Chirac sent Bush a warm personal greeting last week before the U.S. president is sworn in for a second term on Jan. 20. and proposed they work together to make 2005 a year of transatlantic trust and unity.
No date has been set for Chirac's Washington visit but it is expected just before or after Bush's trip to Europe. U.S. officials say both sides want to look ahead, not back.
Strains have also emerged at times in U.S. relations with the EU under Bush, including over Iraq and trade. They averted a legal clash over rivals Airbus and Boeing on Tuesday, agreeing to talks on eliminating subsidies fed to the two plane makers.
DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ
In his speech, Barnier highlighted France's support for the transition to a stable democracy in Iraq on the eve of talks between Chirac and Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar.
France hopes the visit will help put relations with Baghdad on a new footing after months of strains. It should have taken place last September but was postponed after the kidnap of two French journalists in Iraq. They were freed last month.
"Despite the violence, despite the dangers, this year should be the year of transition toward a calm situation in which the Iraqi people must regain full control of their sovereignty and destiny with the departure of foreign troops," Barnier said.
He is due to meet Yawar on Friday.
Barnier's other priorities were efforts to secure a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians, stability in the Balkans and efforts to convince French voters to back the European Constitution in a referendum.
Barnier is expected to make a series of trips within France as part of efforts to explain the constitution to voters and boost the chances of it being approved in the referendum, which Chirac says will be held some time before the summer.
The treaty, intended to make the EU function more smoothly after its expansion, needs the backing of all 25 member states.
Screw them.
Frew Scrance.
Dear France: F_U! (Nasty letter to follow.)
Bug Off frog scum.
MY A$$$$$$$
The GD french have been screwing with us since day one. I hate them.
"It is good to hate the French."
--Al Bundy
C'mon Frenchie, say it ! Who's your daddy!!!
France is a proven enemy.
There is nothing in it for US.
Screw 'em.
Bugger Off Frogs! You've showed your appreciation & true colors for your "liberation." You're "stuck" with Bush for the next four years. Deal with it! You'll need us more than we will EVER need your sorry a$$es!! Better try to "suck up" to some other country that hasn't figured you out!
Send us all your wine , fua gras, creme fresh, roasted duck with truffle sauce, and ,,,,,,,,,,,oh never mind. Beer, fried chicken, rocket pops and bbq is all i need.
most have warehouse full of wine and cheese that about to go bad
LOL
Let them eat cake!
Like it or not, this is a major policy step for the French to not only acknowledge that there is something wrong, but that they are able to do something to help correct the situation.
They can start by admitting that they are wrong about everything....
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