Today's Date:

IRAQ

THE PRESIDENT – (...) As regards Iraq (...) France's messages remain clear and the same. The solution in our view is above all a political one. The Iraqi people need clear prospects. UNSCR 1546 set a specific timetable for the next stages of the political transition and, on completion of this transition, the departure of the foreign forces. This timetable must be both confirmed and respected. So it's absolutely essential for the elections to take place on the scheduled date, as transparently as possible, and to involve, as far as possible, all components of Iraqi society.

For this purpose, as you know, we think that a dialogue must be developed between the transitional government and all the components of the Iraqi political scene, those who have of course rejected and renounced all violence, that goes without saying. France will also express these messages at the inter-regional conference of 22 and 23 November in Egypt, in Sharm el Sheikh, which we hope will contribute to consolidating the political process in Iraq. (...)

FRANCE/GEORGE BUSH

THE PRESIDENT – It isn't of course for me to give an opinion on the US election. As you know, I have extended my warmest congratulations to President Bush. France has been the United States' friend, ally for a long time. There are long-standing, deep-rooted ties between our two peoples, based on shared values.

And although we may have had or have some differences of view, the areas in which we agree are obviously infinitely more important than those where we disagree, which we are, of course, not prepared to ignore since the issues concern France's way of seeing things in the world. So [to answer] the more specific question you're asking, rightly: I don't know whether or not the French should be worried, but I don't think, to tell the truth, that they have cause for worry.

On the other hand, obviously affirmation of a strong American policy leads to the necessity of strengthening Europe politically and economically. I believe that European cohesion is quite naturally what’s needed to address what may be, for some, concerns and, for others, simply an international reality. Obviously Europe, today, has more than ever the need, necessity to strengthen itself, strengthen its unity, its dynamism. This is the goal of the Constitution it's going to give itself, I hope, which will facilitate at the institutional level this reinforcement of European unity in the face of what are already or are becoming the great powers in the world, which is more multipolar than ever.

IRAQ

THE PRESIDENT – I have never refused to meet Prime Minister Allawi. Indeed, I met him in the United States, at the time of the G8. (...)

DOLLAR

THE PRESIDENT – Yes, I’m a bit worried about the dollar’s downward trend. I believe Europe would be well advised to consider the possible consequences, notably for its economic activity and in particular its exports (...). This needs to be looked at with the European Central Bank. But I believe it’s an important factor which we have to take on board and should prompt us to react.

TURKEY

THE MINISTER – You know my position on Turkey: I consider that world developments require the creation of major groups of countries, capable of establishing themselves economically and politically. In this context, if Turkey, the applicant, adopted all the European Union’s values and practices, Europe would obviously be strengthened by the presence of a Turkey which, let me say, had totally assimilated European values, the values which we are all destined to share. Obviously it isn’t easy, this is why I’ve said many times that it’s desirable for it to be possible. There are many problems, which are difficult to resolve, so time will be needed. (...)

And we can’t underestimate another possibility that, in a few years, we come to realize that it’s difficult but not impossible that the road Turkey is able to take won’t allow her to adopt all Europe’s values and, in that case, what would have to be found is a means of creating a sufficiently strong link for there to be no separation between Europe and Turkey, without there being integration. We have to consider these problems very calmly and look at them to an extent from a historical angle and international standpoint and not argue about them polemically and at times in petty political terms.

ARAFAT

THE PRESIDENT – I'm certainly not going to talk about a "post-" or "pre-" Arafat period. I did indeed go and greet President Arafat at 4 p.m. I shook his hand and I have no comment to make. Moreover, so that there's no pointless question on his state of health in view of, on the one hand, medical confidentiality and, above all, my total lack of knowledge and so inability to give any opinion on such a matter, all I can tell you is that President Arafat is in the hands of excellent doctors who are doing all they can for him. (...)

(...)

BARROSO COMMISSION

THE PRESIDENT – I've always said that it was up to the President Designate, in the very spirit of the institutions, to submit a Commission with the maximum of chances of being approved by the European Parliament, whose powers in both this sphere and others I obviously don't dispute. I believe that Mr Barroso's latest decisions, which he talked about yesterday evening at the Council and confirmed this morning, seem to me – if I've understood what the President of the European Parliament said – likely to allow approval of the Commission, at the Parliament's next meeting, i.e. at the end of November.

IRAQ/FRENCH HOSTAGES

THE PRESIDENT – How could one not have high hopes? It's a tragedy, it's a tragedy in itself, it's a tragedy for our hostages and their families, as for the Syrian hostage who was with them. I repeat, firstly, we have no reason not to hope and, secondly, I am extremely prudent for very many reasons, since I have seen for a long time that comments in this sphere are always dangerous. (...)./.