Chirac expresses condolences over loss of space shuttle "forever a friend to the American people"

AP ^ | Feb 1, 2003 | AP

[jern]

AP World Politics

Chirac expresses condolences over loss of space shuttle Columbia Sat Feb 1, 3:18 PM ET

PARIS - President Jacques Chirac on Saturday expressed his "profound emotion" over the loss of the space shuttle Columbia, saying France felt solidarity with Americans and Israelis over the disaster.

Chirac, in a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites), said the shuttle's loss was a "terrible tragedy," and he asked Bush to pass on his condolences to the victims' families.

Columbia broke apart in flames 60,000 meters (200,000 feet) over Texas, killing all seven astronauts aboard minutes before they were to glide to a landing in Florida.

"In the name of the French people, forever a friend to the American people, I express to you the profound emotion and feeling of solidarity in the ordeal that all my compatriots are feeling," Chirac said.

In a separate letter to Israeli President Moshe Katsav, Chirac expressed his "sincere condolences" to Katsav and the family of Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut, who was on board the shuttle with six Americans.

The European Space Agency, in a statement from Paris, called the loss of Columbia "a devastating event in the history of space" and said it shares the grief felt in the space community.

Former French astronauts also expressed their sympathy, but warned about dangers that space shuttles present even though lessons have been learned from the 1986 Challenger disaster.

Claudie Haignere, a two-time space traveler who once worked with Columbia crew member Laurel Clark, told France-2 TV "there's always a risk" of such disasters on return to earth.

Patrick Baudry, who flew on space shuttle Discovery in 1985, said space shuttles are "extremely vulnerable" — and said he's been warning about the dangers for years.

"For years, I've regretted that we continue to use the shuttle to go into space instead of concentrating on space transport systems that are safer and perform better," he told France-Info radio.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Is this where we tell him to blow it out his shorts?

[SouthernFreebird]

Go to H*ll.......we don't want your insincerity.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

No. Be polite. Condolences offered, on behalf of the Columbia crew should not be rebuked. The crew deserves to be honored and remembered for their bravery.

[RepoGirl]

"For years, I've regretted that we continue to use the shuttle to go into space instead of concentrating on space transport systems that are safer and perform better," he told France-Info radio.

Good lord, what a tool. I am speechless.

[Pikachu_Dad]

No, this is where we graciously accept his statement.

[Mr. Silverback]

It is far too late for the ringleader of the Axis of Weasel to begin kissing up now. My apologies to anyone who might think I'm dishonoring the Columbia Seven with this attitude, but Mr. Chirac is willing to let 20 million or so Iraqis suffer so he can cover his own smarmy butt, not to mention the risk the rest of us have if Saddam develops a nuke or a smallpox capability.

I'm embarassed to be of French descent.

[Optimist]

Claudie Haignere, a two-time space traveler who once worked with Columbia crew member Laurel Clark, told France-2 TV "there's always a risk" of such disasters on return to earth.

And I suppose strapping 3 rockets to your ass is no big deal?

Let's face it, this is a high-hazard occupation. Not to take away any responsibility exposed as a result of this, or sympathy due, but you don't become an astronaut and fly into space without regard for the risks involved all the way around.

Sounds to me like more French "we should wait" posturing.

[RightWhale]

instead of concentrating on space transport systems that are safer and perform better

Thanks to Messr. Chirac for his thoughts.

But as to the other, safety and space flight aren't in the same dictionary. We'll do it anyway.

[NYC GOP Chick]

He's a phony and just trying to ingratiate himself and his sorry excuse for a country.

[IowaHawk]

Dear Monsieur Chirac:

Go p*ss up a rope, you filthy Gallic saque du merde. We need your condolences like we need a '73 Citroen.

[American Blood]

In a separate letter to Israeli President Moshe Katsav, Chirac expressed his "sincere condolences" to Katsav and the family of Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut, who was on board the shuttle with six Americans

He won't send it to Ariel Sharon will he? God how the french disgust me.

[red-dawg]

"In the name of the French people, forever a friend to the American people, I express to you the profound emotion and feeling of solidarity in the ordeal that all my compatriots are feeling," Chirac said.

"Wait for the inspections to work."

"...forever a friend to the American people..."

POUND SAND.

[lizma]

Here, here. Based on their track record, this condolence is an insult.
You don't earn the title "Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys" without a reason.

[Mr. Silverback]

Dang, Hawk. Tell us how you really feel! :-)

[NYC GOP Chick]

And I do NOT want their last-minute "help" in the war against Hussein. They can stuff it in their berets for all I care.

[RightWhale]

Even Arafat said he was sorry this happened. No one is immume from a touch of humanity from time to time. Except the Butcher of Baghdad.

[Optimist]

we continue to use the shuttle to go into space instead of concentrating on space transport systems that are safer and perform better

Was Jim Trafficant onto something all along? ....

BEAM ME UP .....

[red-dawg]

"Even Arafat said he was sorry this happened."

He also said he gave blood for the victims of 9-11-2001. The question still remains unaswered as to who's blood it was.

[SouthernFreebird]

Even Arafat said he was sorry this happened

You can't believe that Arafat was sorry that Americans and an Israeli were killed.......Puleeze ......how about tommorow you wake up in the real world.