Posted on 11/03/2004 4:47:17 PM PST by Former Military Chick
France has hailed the US election as an important moment in world diplomacy calling it an opportunity to revive the transatlantic relationship - no matter who wins.
Michel Barnier, the French foreign minister, declined to comment on the latest projections showing President George W Bush edging close to victory over Senator John Kerry.
Relations between Paris and Washington have been strained since President Jacques Chirac opposed America's war in Iraq.
But M Barnier told RTL radio: "I can... tip my hat to American democracy .
"A new stage is starting. It is a very important moment for the world."
He said France will work with the new American administration.
"We have many things to do, both on the current crises - in Iraq, the Middle East, Iran, the fate of the African continent - and to renovate the transatlantic relationship," he said.
Last week he said he hoped for a new alliance with the United States.
But Mr Barnier repeated calls for a multipolar world in which the United States did not try to dominate world diplomacy alone.
"America and Europe need each other," he said. "We must try to re-establish American confidence in the European project because the Americans cannot imagine building, directing and driving the world alone.
"Our world needs several powers," Mr Barnier said. "This is how I understand the multipolar world."
Asked about difficulties in relations between Mr Bush and M Chirac, M Barnier said: "They are two seasoned and experienced politicians who manage to talk frankly.
"I say again, we have much to do and much to do together, with the American administration and the European Union."
Bush ought to bury his booted foot up Chirac's @ss!
Here's the deal. You support us 110% on Iran with sactions/troops/public comments or we bring down Chirac and your corrupt political party with the Saddam corruption scandal.
"Here's the deal. You support us 110% on Iran with sactions/troops/public comments or we bring down Chirac and your corrupt political party with the Saddam corruption scandal."
How about, 110% sanctions/public comments but no French troops that would just put our guys in harms way. They are a bunch of pushovers as we all realize. Since when did a French force win any type decisive battle since the days of Bonapart? NONE. They got kicked out of NAM, lost French African etc.. They like most European military would just get the hell in the way. They don't have any guts nor do they know how to do practice the art of war with the ability to win.
The puny French are NO match for America. he had no choice but reach out to us. It kills him but he knows he has to do this.
but, but, I thought John F Kerry was the only who could do this?
His deal with kerry is off...since he lost the election.
Chirac ready to bury hatchet with Bush.
Must be the one he buried in Bush's back right before the Iraq war.
Wow, it took France less than 24 hours to surrender to Bush.
Seeing as Chirac already stabbed Bush in the back over Iraq, Chirac can go stuff it.
Hey ChiracI'll show you where that hatchet belongs. Come on over. F'France.
Wrong, monsieur. Old Europe has demonstrated its inability to rationally deal with the world's problems. That's why America must continue to dominate.
You forgot Arafat
I go to Asia (Vietnam) twice per year. I tell the folks at the airline I use, I prefer to go across Europe but I refuse to land in France as I don't want to be party to paying the landing fee to these Socialist/Communist bastards. I haven't been to France for 15 years or so and don't plan to ever go there again nor buy any of their products.
Did anybody else hear dan rather's stupid remark that "if a frog had side pockets, he'd carry a handgun"? Made me think of jack shellac.
"How about, 110% sanctions/public comments but no French troops that would just put our guys in harms way. They are a bunch of pushovers as we all realize. Since when did a French force win any type decisive battle since the days of Bonapart? NONE. They got kicked out of NAM, lost French African etc.. They like most European military would just get the hell in the way. They don't have any guts nor do they know how to do practice the art of war with the ability to win."
The French DID win a war - they won the French Revolution.
Let us not forget that Jacques et le Frenchies need to cover their derrieres on the Oil for Food Scandal.
Jackie is going to be groveling for a White House invite to look like he's restoring the trans-Atlantic relationship (though he'll really be licking Pres Bush's boots - as right he should be doing).
No French Champagne for this lady. A US domestic is okie dokie fine w me.
My sentiments exactly!
The stinking french and the whole world heard us on Nov, 2. I think we made ourselves clear.
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