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| Europe |
| Bush: Not Clear France Concerned With US Security |
| 2003-05-30 |
| 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 |
| #12 I said months ago that we should get Iraq first, then France. GW got it right the first time! |
| Posted by: Anonymous Troll 2003-05-30 22:10:33 |
| #11 ..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. Well of course France doesn't care. But this doesn't really mean much. It has been pretty evident that France's interests are its only concern, all else be damned. And that includes actively trying to undermine the U.S. That is all GWB needs to know and keep in mind, and all his dealings with the French should be tempered accordingly. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2003-05-30 22:04:47 |
| #10 The French republics have never opposed the invasion of France, except for their proud resistance to cheap Japanese VCRs in 1981 (they gathered them at a customs centre in Poitiers, of all places). |
| Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever) 2003-05-30 14:06:32 |
| #9 We can only hope that the regime in Paris and their supporters will continue in Judas' footsteps after he betrayed Christ: Hang themselves over a cliff, fall to the ground, and their entrails splattered all over the pages of history. |
| Posted by: matinum 2003-05-30 12:47:42 |
| #8 Nobody here would take that bet. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2003-05-30 12:39:58 |
| #7 I've got ten bucks that says the Frogs fall faster then the Iraqis. |
| Posted by: Mike N. 2003-05-30 11:44:42 |
| #6 Once again, our president gets staight to the point. Also our congress has authourized him to invade france or belgium, if necessary, resulting from any action by the ICC. for example. to rescue an American seerviceman they might try to put on trial. Invasion of france is only a matter of time. |
| Posted by: myron 2003-05-30 10:58:15 |
| #5 Elsewhere Americans with real short hair were having fun driving on the beach in Normandy. Finding out it was "just like Daytona - really hardpacked - like a highway" and taking many soil souvenirs and lots of pictures. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2003-05-30 10:24:37 |
| #4 "I swear to God, the story says 'invasion of France.'" Personally, I fully support regime change in Paris. One can only hope. |
| Posted by: Mike 2003-05-30 10:18:51 |
| #3 You shoulda seen the speech before the State Department got through with it. |
| Posted by: Matt 2003-05-30 09:47:12 |
| #2 "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. Damn. THAT'S the money quote. "We're concerned with your security, but are you equally concerned about OURS?" Litimus test time. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2003-05-30 08:57:18 |
| #1 Despite this, Bush insisted that France's opposition to the invasion of France... All right! When are we going in?! |
| Posted by: tu3031 2003-05-30 08:03:20 |