Bush: Not Clear France Concerned With US Security (More Crow Pie for Chirac)

Dow Jones Newswire ^ | 29 May, 2003

[Happy2BMe]

Bush: Not Clear France Concerned With US Security

Thu May 29,10:15 PM ET

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- President George W. Bush (news - web sites) said Thursday he was ready to move on when it comes to Franco-U.S. ties, but then slammed the French government with one of the most damning indictments of an ally possible by saying it wasn't clear that France cares whether U.S. citizens live in safety and security.

"I have work to do to convince the skeptics in France that the intentions of the United States are positive, and the French leadership has got work to do to convince the American people that they are concerned about the security of our country," Bush said.

Bush made the comment in an interview with a handful of foreign news organizations ahead of his trip to Europe and the Middle East. Bush will go to France during the trip to attend the Group of Eight leading nations summit in Evian, but will cut short his stay and leave the summit a day before it ends.

Bush said that when people in the U.S. watched the escalating diplomatic brawl before the U.S.-led military effort to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), many in the U.S. took a dim view of France's actions.

"Let me be realistic, there is a sense of frustration and disappointment amongst the American people toward the French position," Bush said.

"People didn't understand the decision by the French leadership to thwart America's desire to work on security and freedom: Security for our country and freedom for Iraq (news - web sites)," Bush added.

Despite this, Bush insisted that France's opposition to the invasion of France "wouldn't influence my policies."

Instead, Bush said the U.S. and France will cooperate where it benefits both countries.

"I will have a good discussion with Jacques Chirac," Bush said.

However, when asked directly if he had "forgiven" France, Bush sidestepped the question.

"I look forward to working with France to achieve common objectives," Bush said.

-By Alex Keto, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-9256; Alex.Keto@dowjones.com

[from occupied ga]

ROFL, I should use sarcasm tag I see

I kinda thought that, but around here you never know.

[from occupied ga]

Spose to be a Chrissssstian)

This is rich

[eBelasco]

see post 7

[foreshadowed at waco]

I don't think that too many Americans are angry at France because they refused to fight by our side...we are angry because they tried to prevent us from protecting ourselves...they stood in the way...Germany was always against the Iraq War but stepped aside...France pretended to be ready to give us their moral support and then stabbed Colin Powell in the back and tried to bribe other countries to vote against us...why...money...they were up to their eyeballs in dirty money from Hussein...they acted all morally outraged but were really just being their venal old selves...they can't be trusted.