France seeks to rescue US ties
The personal relationship between Bush and Chirac has deteriorated
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier has appealed for an end to "French-bashing" in the US and urged co-operation between the two countries.
In a Wall Street Journal article called "Letter to America", Mr Barnier said France and the US shared ideals of prosperity, peace and freedom.
The letter comes days after US President George W Bush's re-election.
Relations between the two countries have been strained, mainly because of differences over the Iraq war.
In the end, the most inaccurate cliches are obscuring the most obvious truths - it is time to put a stop to it
Mr Barnier's article appeared to reflect hopes expressed in Paris that Mr Bush's re-election would lead to the relationship between Paris and Washington being re-invigorated.
He called for the creation of a high-level group of independent figures from both sides to explore ways to deepen political co-operation across the Atlantic.
'Paradox'
But he wrote that he was worried that France and Europe in general were misunderstood, if not scorned, in the US.
"Because of all the things that connect us, I'm concerned about the campaigns against my country, and the recent surge of 'French-bashing'," he said.
"There's a paradox here, since France is actually among your best friends in the fight against terrorism."
"In the end, the most inaccurate cliches are obscuring the most obvious truths. It is time to put a stop to it."
Mr Barnier cited co-operation within Nato in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and also evoked the spirit of D-Day. Mr Bush came to France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World War II Normandy invasion in June.
But he acknowledged that the Iraq had deeply divided the two countries.
He said France would not send troops but was prepared to help train Iraqi security services and resolve Iraq's debt problem.
Anyone else find this kind of funny!! "DON'T MAKE FUN OF ME!!!!"
:musicboo: :flipoff: :francais: :finger2: :musicboo:
The personal relationship between Bush and Chirac has deteriorated
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier has appealed for an end to "French-bashing" in the US and urged co-operation between the two countries.
In a Wall Street Journal article called "Letter to America", Mr Barnier said France and the US shared ideals of prosperity, peace and freedom.
The letter comes days after US President George W Bush's re-election.
Relations between the two countries have been strained, mainly because of differences over the Iraq war.
In the end, the most inaccurate cliches are obscuring the most obvious truths - it is time to put a stop to it
Mr Barnier's article appeared to reflect hopes expressed in Paris that Mr Bush's re-election would lead to the relationship between Paris and Washington being re-invigorated.
He called for the creation of a high-level group of independent figures from both sides to explore ways to deepen political co-operation across the Atlantic.
'Paradox'
But he wrote that he was worried that France and Europe in general were misunderstood, if not scorned, in the US.
"Because of all the things that connect us, I'm concerned about the campaigns against my country, and the recent surge of 'French-bashing'," he said.
"There's a paradox here, since France is actually among your best friends in the fight against terrorism."
"In the end, the most inaccurate cliches are obscuring the most obvious truths. It is time to put a stop to it."
Mr Barnier cited co-operation within Nato in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and also evoked the spirit of D-Day. Mr Bush came to France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the World War II Normandy invasion in June.
But he acknowledged that the Iraq had deeply divided the two countries.
He said France would not send troops but was prepared to help train Iraqi security services and resolve Iraq's debt problem.
Anyone else find this kind of funny!! "DON'T MAKE FUN OF ME!!!!"
:musicboo: :flipoff: :francais: :finger2: :musicboo:
