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Chirac: Friendship With U.S. Will Prevail
Like hell. EFL.
The friendship between France and the United States will always prevail over the countries’ political differences, French President Jacques Chirac said Monday. Chirac’s comments, made during a visit to inaugurate a French school in New York, came as the two nations try to avoid another political showdown at the United Nations over Iraq.
Bush doesn’t look like he’ll back down so it’s up to you Jacques to avoid a showdown.
While Chirac never mentioned Iraq, it clearly was on his mind.
Of course -- he needs the money!
``Events over the past few months have led to tension in relations between our countries. I want to share my personal conviction with all of you, however, that the friendship between France and the United States is deeply rooted in our history,’’ he told several hundred parents, teachers, and French and American dignitaries. ``This friendship between our people will always prevail over our differences.’’
We’re still not buying your whine.
Chirac spoke ahead of a Tuesday meeting with President Bush after Bush addresses the U.N. General Assembly. During Monday’s school tour, Chirac called the Lycee Francais of New York a symbol of the deep bonds uniting the two countries. Children from 44 countries are represented at the prestigious private school on the Upper East Side. As he arrived, the school’s choir sang ``We speak French. All over New York, they speak French,’’ from the song entitled, "The French Are Toast" ``French Toast.’’ Chirac was accompanied by French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin, a former Lycee student, who is alleged to be a man.
From that Lycee? Or just a lycee in general?
Chirac’s trip to the United States is the first in nearly two years. His last visit came just two months after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. ``I remember my meeting in Washington with President Bush, our common determination to respond to the attacks with an unprecedented mobilization against terrorism,’’ he said.
"Then I went home and forgot all about it!"
Chirac noted that France was president of the Security Council when it authorized the use of force in Afghanistan.
"But that did not cost us anything!"
There is much at stake for U.S.-French relations. Bush is trying to win U.N. backing for a resolution that would bring much-needed foreign reinforcements for U.S. troops in Iraq and give the U.N. more authority in rebuilding the country. France, which led opposition to the war in Iraq, wants to jiggle the American elbow a quicker turnover of sovereignty to Iraqis. Chirac has called for a return to Iraqi rule within months.
What exactly will the French bring to the party if we do it their way? A brigade of peacekeepers? Ten billion euros in reconstruction aid? They don’t have anything to contribute.
Posted by: Steve White 2003-09-23
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=18976