Today's Date:

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France/US

At the human level, we all feel New Yorkers. I think that's a valid way to describe our attitude: friend, ally, non-aligned. There's enormous solidarity, we agree on many things, but disagreements aren't the end of the world or a tragedy. They signify respect for our identity and freedom to make decisions. For example, we're in favour of the Kyoto Protocol which the United States doesn't want to sign.

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Afghanistan/Military Action

The majority of people don't feel like that. The majority of Europeans felt that the US reaction was legitimate. The debate has now been overtaken by the fall of the Taliban regime. Today we must think about Afghanistan's future, prevent civil war from starting again and encourage the conclusion as quickly as possible of an agreement between the different factions and ethnic groups. This must be a clear message for all the Afghan leaders. And this is the fundamental role of the United Nations. Even before the bombing, France presented a plan promoting a political solution and stability in the region. The hunt for bin Laden must continue, but we can't wait for the military action to end before thinking about the future. And it's a matter of urgency to ensure security by deploying the multinational force.

That's a decision for the Americans. As regards security on the ground, broader military participation is necessary.

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Fight Against Terrorism/Middle East

All the Arab and Muslim leaders have adopted courageous positions, regardless of public opinion and street demonstrations in their countries. Even the military action has been understood - they are displaying a very strong sense of responsibility. Rightly, everyone is stressing the necessity of resolving the Middle East problem. There's no direct link with terrorism, but it's creating constant political tension in relations with the West. There's another very important point: support for the fight against the financing of terrorism. These countries are telling us that everyone must do their bit. I think there is also a readiness to achieve international conventions in the field of anti-terrorist legislation.

Terrorism and religious fanaticism would also exist if there were no political errors or pretexts. Furthermore, there are regional crises and situations of injustice which create a fertile breeding ground. There have also been political errors and short-sighted policies. I don't think it was a mistake to support the Mujaheddins against the Soviet Union, but I think it was one immediately afterwards to abandon Afghanistan to her fate - a mistake which must not be committed today. Similarly, it wasn't necessary to wait for 11 September before asserting that the Palestinian State wasn't the problem, but the solution, for both the Palestinians and Israelis. France has been saying this for years. (...)./.