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France Wonât Drop Demand on Iraq Transfer
At least theyâre consistent. France remains committed to helping rebuild Iraq, but will not drop its demand for the transfer of power into Iraqi hands for the chance to bid on lucrative reconstruction contracts, the defense minister told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Michele Alliot-Marieâs comments came after the Bush administration hinted it would lift a decision barring allies who opposed the Iraq war from participating in rebuilding contracts. Germany said Wednesday it would be "very happy" if the ban was lifted. "We have expressed for a long time our availability to participate in Iraqâs construction," Alliot-Marie said. "But obviously only if it is in the framework where the Iraqi authorities will get back their sovereignty and the ability to exercise their powers in full." Oh well. We tried. Nice knowing ya. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday that a handful of countries, which he declined to name, may be eligible to bid for a waive of reconstruction contracts worth roughly $4.5 billion. His comments came after President Bush announced that Canada would be allowed to bid. Alliot-Marie was expected to take up the issue during a meeting Thursday in Washington with Rumsfeld. In Berlin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Germany believes Iraqâs reconstruction - including the awarding of contracts - is a joint international task Better yet, why donât you boys pony up some cash? Posted by: Steve White 2004-01-14 |
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