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| Europe |
| France Won’t Drop Demand on Iraq Transfer |
| 2004-01-14 |
| At least they’re 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-Marie’s 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 Iraq’s 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 Iraq’s reconstruction - including the awarding of contracts - is a joint international task Better yet, why don’t you boys pony up some cash? |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #6 When they next ask for a five-spot, I intend to make my kids ask me in French. I want to train them right. The correct language would be Arabic, not French. Need to plan ahead for the cultural change in France SH. |
| Posted by: Charles 2004-1-14 4:16:51 PM |
| #5 that's will only get them a ten-spot and a promise of a new bike. SH wants his youth to be fluent ya see.... :) |
| Posted by: Shipman 2004-1-14 3:53:07 PM |
| #4 Sorry BH, that's will only get them a ten-spot and a promise of a new bike. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-1-14 1:16:25 PM |
| #3 SH, are you also going to have them spit in your face and curse at you while they hold their hand out? |
| Posted by: BH 2004-1-14 12:16:37 PM |
| #2 When they next ask for a five-spot, I intend to make my kids ask me in French. I want to train them right. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-1-14 11:48:08 AM |
| #1 France Won’t Drop Demand on Iraq Transfer Fine. Cut them off permanently. It's not worth wasting time playing footsie with Chirac and his minions. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2004-1-14 11:14:54 AM |