Today's Date:

Statement by the Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This morning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs called his British opposite number, Mr Jack Straw, to tell him that the French authorities were shocked and saddened by what members of the British government said during the recent debates in the House of Commons.

We can well understand the internal pressure being exerted on the British government. But the words used are not worthy of a country which is both a friend and a European partner. This presentation of events is inconsistent with the facts and will mislead no one./.