Bush and Chirac put up united front but rift remains

AP, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Straits Times ^ | 7JUN04 | AP, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Straits Times

[familyop]

French and US leaders say they will work together to rebuild Iraq but they are still at odds over the US-led invasion

PARIS - US President George W. Bush and French President Jacques Chirac may have pledged to work together to help rebuild Iraq but they remain at odds, as their statements at the weekend showed.

Mr Chirac called the situation in Iraq 'extremely precarious' while Mr Bush claimed major progress towards a free and democratic country.

The leaders sought to emphasise their common ground as they prepared to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, one of the moments when the United States and France were closest.

But their differences over Iraq were clearly evident.

During a joint news conference, Mr Chirac said he was pleased that the 'tyrannical regime' of Saddam Hussein was over but added: 'What's less positive is that there is a degree of chaos prevailing.'

Excerpted

[conshack]

And the French can go straight to he**. They're fair weather friends at best.

[texastoo]

I read in a Mexican newspaper that Mexico would be siding with France, Germany and Chile in the UN with regards to post war Iraq. This will undoubtedly be done with the US taxpayers footing the bill. You can bet that Mexico will not help financially.

[Consort]

France is fairly advanced........for a Third World country.

[Bonaparte]

"Something has changed forever."

Yep.

[Caipirabob]

Note to France : Germany won.

[Lukasz]

I don’t know why so many Americans before Iraq expect that France help there. Last time when Islamic Ottoman empire attack old continent (1683 ), polish king Jan III Sobieski saved West European asses (battle of Vienna). What France did that times, help? Of course not! France collaborate with Islamic Turks!! Generally in Europe France is well known country of weasels, even in Normandy one of their few divisions betrayed Allies and avoid battlefield. In Europe if somebody mention French army, this is joke and not serious discussion. This is not any surprise that France don’t fight, this is obvious.

[Carolinamom]

You are a most welcome member to our Free Republic family, Lukasz. I enjoyed reading your profile page and learned a lot about your country. Keep posting!

[Former Proud Canadian]

Simple solution. The English speaking democracies should STOP paying UN dues and the US should kick the UN out of New York.

[KOZ.]

do you know bogdan?

[BunnySlippers]

•

[snooker]

The rift between Iraq and France is much bigger :-)

[gunnedah]

The French are afraid the oil for food cash cow wont produce enough milk!

[Lukasz]

I know more than one Bogdan! But seriously, any one of them didn’t posted here.

[McGavin999]

The Iraqi people are stunned at the failure of Germany, france, and Russia to approve the resolution in the UN. After all, THEY have agreed to how things will go and they are finally coming to the conclusion that the three do NOT wish their country well. The resentment that will result will impact their relations with those countries for generations to come. There is only a very small window of opportunity for them to change that perception before it is set in stone.

[asp1]

Dear Lukasz:

Your English is a heck of a lot better than my Polish (probably better than my English too!). It was a great treat to read your home page. What a beautiful country you have. I am glad that we are friends and allies now. I can't say welcome to Free Republic as I am rather new myself and to do so would be very arrogant. I will say that I look forward to seeing many more of your posts. Perhaps we can become old timers together.

Best Wishes, asp1

[Lukasz]

Thanks, I also will wait for your posts!

best regards
Lukasz