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Bush: Not Clear France Concerned With US Security
President George W. Bush 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.Who says that they're an ally? "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. Ouch, that has got to hurt. 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. "I have more important business elsewhere." 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, 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," Bush added. We understand the French position, and we won't forget it. Despite this, Bush insisted that France's opposition to the invasion of France "wouldn't influence my policies." I swear to God, the story says "invasion of France". Wishful thinking, misprint, or do they know something we don't? 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. "Hey Jacque, how bout them Spurs?" 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. "Can't think of any right now." Posted by: Steve 2003-05-30 |
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