France hopes to heal US rift at spa town

The Times (U.K.) ^ | 04/17/03 | Roland Watson

[Pokey78]

THE setting is Alpine, lakeside and romantic, perfect for a happy reunion. But whether Presidents Bush and Chirac can manage anything more than rictus grins when they pose for photographs by Lake Geneva is anyone’s guess.

The meeting in six weeks will be the first test of whether the transatlantic ructions over Iraq can become bygones, or if the bitterness will set the tone of Western diplomacy for the next decade. Washington will take critical steps today towards deciding whether, and how far, to take US retribution against France for what it regards as M Chirac’s obstructive role over Iraq.

In a mood of continued deep resentment towards Paris, senior Bush officials meeting in the White House are to address the future of the US-French relationship. The Pentagon is expected to push for curbs on French power in Nato, a limited or non-existent role for France in the reconstruction of Iraq, and a US boycott of the prestigious Paris Air Show.

Whether the hardliners win the day will be down to Mr Bush. But the fact that US officials are keen for France to know that such talks are taking place has Paris fretting.

“We will of course be interested in the outcome of the meeting,” said one French official, adding that there was concern as to whether the US agenda was “how to examine the French and American relationship, or how to punish France”.

With a delicious twist of irony, Mr Bush is obliged to travel to France at the beginning of June for the annual G8 meeting of the world’s most industrialised nations, which is being held in the small French resort of Evian-les-Bains.

All the main opponents of war in Iraq will be present — Germany and Russia in the French corner, Britain and Italy in the US corner, with Canada and Japan uneasily in the middle.

The meeting has all the makings of a diplomatic catastrophe unless all sides can agree in advance to bury their differences over Iraq. French nervousness has been heightened after Condoleezza Rice, Mr Bush’s national security adviser, was quoted as outlining Washington’s post-Iraq policy towards its allies as “punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia”.

M Chirac made a guarded opening bid for peace when he picked up the telephone to Mr Bush on Tuesday. But their 20-minute conversation only appeared to underline the levels of mistrust and unease.

Jean-David Levitte, the French Ambassador, had to visit Mr Bush’s advisers in the White House more than once before Mr Bush agreed to take the call. Afterwards, an anxious M Levitte called Ari Fleischer, the White House spokesman, after his cool reflections on the chat.

In Paris, M Chirac’s spokeswoman described it as positive, whereas Mr Fleischer responded that it had been businesslike.

M Levitte was anxious to “get an American assessment of the phone call”, according to a French official. “We are keen to assess whether the phone call made the first step towards the renewed co-operation that is needed.”

But buoyed by the swift advances of coalition forces in Iraq and encamped in the political high ground, officials in Washington made clear that the French will have to do all the work to patch up relations. “The messages will have to come from them,” said one.

M Chirac has made the first move, dropping French opposition to the use of Nato forces in Afghanistan. French officials went further yesterday, saying Paris was prepared to consider a future Nato role in Iraq, an astonishing about-turn.

France’s opposition to deploying Nato forces in Turkey in advance of the Iraq war enraged US officials almost as much as its refusal to consider the use of force against Saddam Hussein. The French change of heart is aimed at trying to head off moves by Pentagon hawks to sideline France in Nato, concentrating the alliance’s decision-making in its defence committee, which France has opted out of, rather than its political forum.

Another key to whether Mr Bush is prepared to kiss and make up is how far France and Russia will go to help in the rebuilding of Iraq by writing off their multibillion-dollar debts in Baghdad.

But one of the main obstacles to an outbreak of warmth between M Chirac and Mr Bush is the former’s famed pride and the latter’s equally famed loathing of anything he regards as disloyalty. The summit photographs in six weeks’ time will speak volumes.

[Lazamataz]

France is off my list, permanently.

Thank G-d for Californian wine!

[Lazamataz]

The French change of heart is aimed at trying to head off moves by Pentagon hawks to sideline France in Nato, concentrating the alliance’s decision-making in its defence committee, which France has opted out of, rather than its political forum.

BTW: This is brilliant strategery. Thank G-d for our new leadership!

[EODGUY]

I hope GW pees in Chirac's hot tub.

[EaglesUpForever]

But one of the main obstacles to an outbreak of warmth between M Chirac and Mr Bush is the former’s famed pride and the latter’s equally famed loathing of anything he regards as disloyalty.

"Disloyalty" is not what Bush is offended at here. "Pro-terroist duplicity" is the issue: chirac was not so much disloyal to Bush (had he ever been "loyal"?) as he was loyal to Saddam (as he's been for 30 years if you look at his disgusting background).

Maybe some day our leaders will forgive france, but I suspect even if they do many of us will still simply never buy a french product again.

[prairiebreeze]

Chirac will likely sport a rictus grin. Our President on the other hand, because of his wisdom, faith and compassion will exude the aura of cool victory.

Prairie

[fourdeuce82d]

I hope GW pees in Chirac's hot tub

I don't care how much chlorine they put in the tub, I'd just as soon my CIC doesn't get in.

Guess he could still hike a leg from the side.

[thatsnotnice]

With a delicious twist of irony, Mr Bush is obliged to travel to France at the beginning of June for the annual G8 meeting of the world’s most industrialised nations, which is being held in the small French resort of Evian-les-Bains.

In the spirit of cooperation, I’d be inclined to invite Britain, Italy, and Japan to attend our own little G4 meeting here and let the rest pound sand.

I’m sure there’s some reason why he has to behave more responsibly than I would though.

[apackof2]

Washington will take critical steps today towards deciding whether, and how far, to take US retribution against France for what it regards as M Chirac’s obstructive role over Iraq.

Take in to the limits!
The back stabbing Frenchies had their chance to do the right thing, now suffer the conquences of their choice

[schaketo]

Here's the short refresher course:

A list of French companies products to boycott. Some are well known, but many are not. Here goes.

It lists French products to boycott. You will probably be surprised to learn the French own everything from Wild Turkey to Car & Driver to Motel 6 to cheesy Spencer Gifts to disgusting Democrat schlock-show host Jerry Springer.

Air France
Air Liquide
Airbus
Alcatel - Based in Paris France
Allegra (Allergy Medication) - Produced by Aventis Pharmaceuticals based in Strasbourg, France
Aqualung (Including: Spirotechnique, Technisub, US Divers, and SeaQuest)
AXA Advisors
Bank of the West - Owned by BNP Paribas
Beneteau (boats)
BF Goodrich - Owned by Michelin
BIC (Razors, Pens & Lighters) - Started in 1945 by Marcel Bich. Originally based just outside of Paris. Began trading on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1972. 40.5% Publicly traded. Bich family still owns 33.5%.
Biotherm (Cosmetics)
Black Bush
Bollinger (Champagne)
Car & Driver Magazine
Cartier
Chanel
Chivas Regal (Scotch)
Christian Dior
Club Med (Vacations) - Owned in part by Paris based CDC (Caisse des Dépôts
et Consignations)
Culligan (owned by Vivendi)
Dannon (Yogurt & Dairy Foods)
DKNY - LVMH acquired 100% of Gabrielle Studio Inc., the privately owned licenser of Donna Karan trademarks back in 2001.
Dom Perignon
Durand Crystal
Elle Magazine
Essilor Optical Products
Evian
Fina Gas Stations
Fina Oil - Billions invested in Iraqi Oil fields
First Hawaiian Bank
George Magazine
Givenchy
Hennessy
Houghton Mifflin (books)
International Herald Tribune - 181 ave Charles-de-Gaulle - F-92521 Neuilly - FRSource:World Business Council for Sustainable Development '00 [Domain Registration], [Corporate Profile]
Jacobs Creek - Owned by Pernod Ricard since 1989
Jameson (wiskey)
Jerry Springer (talk show)
Krups (coffee and cappaccino makers)
Lancome
Le Creuset (Cookware)
L'Oreal (Health & Beauty Products)
Louis Vuitton
Marie Claire
Martel Cognac
Maybelline
Méphisto (Footwear & Apparel)
Michelin (Tires & Auto Parts) - Their phone number is: (33) 1 45 66 15 53 in France
Mikasa Crystal and Glass (purchased by ARC int'l in 2001)
Moet (Champagne)
Motel 6 - 33, Avenue du Maine- 75755 Paris Cedex 15 France
Motown Records
MP3.com
Mumms (Champagne)
Nissan (Cars) - Majority owned by Renault
Nivea
Normany Butter
Parents Magazine
Peugeot (Automobiles) - Pronounced "Pooh Joe", must be French
Pierre Cardin
Playstation Magazine
ProScan - Owned by Thomson Electronics, France
Publicis Group (Including: Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising) - Here's a French connection that'll tick ya off--a couple years ago Publicis bought the Leo Burnett Advertising agency and that agency does the "Go Army" campaign. Sickening ain't it?

RCA (televisions & electronics) - Owned by Thomson Electronics, France
Red Magazine
Red Roof Inns - Owned by the Accor group based in France
Renault (Automobiles)
Road & Track Magazine
Roquefort Cheese - All Roquefort cheese is made in France
Rowenta (Toasters, Irons, Coffee makers, etc)
Royal Canadian
Salomon (Skis)
Seagram's Gin
Sierra Software and Computer Games
Smart & Final
Sofitel (Hotels) - Owned by the Accor group based in France
Sparkletts (Water) - Owned by Danone, based in France
Spencer Gifts
Sundance Channel
Taylor Made (Golf)
Technicolor
T-Fal (Kitchenware)
The Glenlivet (Scotch
Total Gas Stations
UbiSoft (Computer Games)
Uniroyal
Uniroyal Tires - Owned by Michelin
Universal Studios (Music, Movies & Theme Parks) - Universal Studios is owned by Vivendi-Universal, headquartered in Paris France
USFilter
Veritas Group
Veuve Clicquot Champagne
Vittel
Vivendi - Vivendi Headquarters, Paris France
Wild Turkey (bourbon)
Woman's Day Magazine
Yoplait - France-based Sodiaal owns a 50% stake of Yoplait
Yves Saint Laurent
Yema watches
Zodiac Inflatable Boats
Hutchinson Tires (bicycle) www.hutchinson.fr
Mavic (bicycle) rims www.mavic.com
Zefal (bicycle accessories) www.zefal.com

Please add to the list and email to your like-minded friends.

[schaketo]

NEVER FORGET!

15000 french products that you can boycott

http://howtobuyamerican.leethost.com/b-db-boycottfrance.shtml

[Sunsong]

France, Germany, Canada and Syria. Little peas in a pod. Amazing the arrogance of those who think that supportng Saddam Hussein is something that you can "kiss and make up" from?

These countries need to show remorse, ask for forgiveness and take corrective action.

[EODGUY]

"Guess he could still hike a leg from the side."

Absolutely...it would be an airborne assault.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

All the main opponents of war in Iraq will be present — Germany and Russia in the French corner, Britain and Italy in the US corner, with Canada and Japan uneasily in the middle.

Not a true breakdown. Put the Canadians in the French corner, and the Japanese in the US corner.

[ellery]

By actively and publicly opposing our efforts to pressure Hussein, france ensured this war. They contributed to the deaths of 100 plus Americans. The fact that they think they can fix this with a polite phone call makes me even angrier, if that's possible.

[TheLooseThread]

"The meeting in six weeks will be the first test of whether the transatlantic ructions over Iraq can become bygones, or if the bitterness will set the tone of Western diplomacy for the next decade."

Why is it that "journalists" always feel they can just throw out facts that are not yet in evidence? So many people read something like that and just assume the write knows what they are talking about.

Yet if some schmuck at work told you that at the water cooler you would disregard it as a random opinion. We should do the same with writers.

[Cicero]

As far as I'm concerned, the only thing that France can possibly do to reverse this sorry situation does not involve words, phone calls, apologies, or anything of that kind. What good are words from someone who will stab you in the back when it comes to the crunch?

Only deeds can fix this now. It would require French blood, fighting side by side with us on the next battlefield.

And that's not very likely, is it?

[MeekMom]

France needs to stop sniffing glue, and buy a clue...they're dead to US!

[Dolphy]

Condoleezza Rice, Mr Bush’s national security adviser, was quoted as outlining Washington’s post-Iraq policy towards its allies as “punish France, ignore Germany and forgive Russia”.

I don't like this idea about forgiving Russia, at least with all of the information that trickles out of Iraq. But it becomes much more appealing when it isolates France. This was one of the concerns of the opposition before the war, each was afraid the other would break and go along with the United States. So, if forgiving Russia is a French nightmare, it might be worth considering.

[gcruse]

Chirac goes over his pre-spa notes.