French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday at the end of his US vacation that France is popular again in the United States and hailed the countries' "terrific" relationship. "France is back, there are no problems between France and the United States, or between the French people and the American people," said Sarkozy on the eve of his departure from a two-week family holiday in New Hampshire. "And that is terrific," he added. "That doesn't mean there are no disagreements. We will have disagreements," said the French leader.
While on his vacation Sarkozy spoke last week with US President George W. Bush to firm up the countries' bond after several years of tense relations. The leaders met at the Bush family residence in Kennebunkport, Maine, and dined on an American picnic lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, though Sarkozy's wife Cecilia bowed out at the last minute citing a throat ailment. She was seen out walking the next day but the apparent snub got little play in US media.
| Well-bred people do not respond to poor manners except by pointedly ignoring them. |
| Can't wait for Dem in the office, huh? |
"Americans were very warm with my family and me, we saw it multiple times," Sarkozy said. "Each time we went out to eat, or were out exercising, people were very nice." Americans are nice to most everyone.
| Don't think I've forgotten what the French government and press did, and most especially the stab in the back over Iraq. I will smile and make nice and be happy enough if we can find ways to cooperate on useful endeavors, but do not for a minute think I personally have forgotten or forgiven. |