Today's Date:

(...)

THE PRESIDENT – (...) Our meetings are important events for our two countries' relations because they take place today at regular intervals and allow us, month after month, to resolve what can look like problems between us and which, by talking together, the Chancellor and I, or the Foreign Ministers never take very long to clear up. (...).

On our discussions [today] I shall be very brief since the Chancellor has given a very accurate description of the situation. Our determination to present a united front at the Brussels and Copenhagen summits. Our determination to retrigger the German-French momentum for progress, on the fortieth anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, by a political declaration giving a new boost to our relations. (...)

IRAQ

On the international front, essentially on the debate currently taking place on the situation in Iraq (...) France considers that any unilateral solution absolutely must be avoided. I consider that Iraq has to accept, in accordance with the request of the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, the inspectors' unconditional return. She considers that the Security Council alone is authorized to take a decision on the consequences of any position taken by the Iraqi authorities. And as a member of the Security Council, France will, of course, await the debate before indicating her final position. On this there is a pretty united European position.

THE PRESIDENT – Of course I can understand Germany's position in this respect. I have told you what France's position is. We are against any kind of unilateral action./.

Embassy of France in the United States - September 11, 2002