Today's Date:

Interview given by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, to the Polish newspaper “Gazeta Wiborcza” (excerpts) .

Paris, February 25, 2005

Q. – For the first time in history, a Franco-Polish summit will be organized in Arras on 28 February. The atmosphere will be one of a Franco-Polish reunion. Are you really convinced that the problems which have emerged in our relations in the past few years – such as Poland’s purchase of F-16 planes, and the Iraq war – have been definitively consigned to the past?

THE PRESIDENT – (...) I’m pleased to be welcoming President Kwasniewski and several members of the Polish government to France, to Arras, on Monday, for our first bilateral summit. We chose Arras because thousands of French of Polish origin have settled in this region which is steeped in memories of them, and on which their families have clearly left their mark.

We decided to institute these summits during President Kwasniewski’s visit to Paris on 4 October last year, with the shared determination to develop a strategic relationship on bilateral and European matters of course, but also on the major international issues. These Franco-Polish consultations will subsequently be held every year in the presence of the heads of government.

Poland is a major country and friend of France. (...)

POLAND/EU

In May 2004, Poland became one of the European Union’s major countries. This is the fruit of a determined strategy pursued by Polish leaders since 1989, which I salute. Our two countries are now working side by side in Europe and we’re already seeing the progress in mutual understanding which comes through dialogue. Even though our positions aren’t always the same, which is normal between countries with strong identities, we’re constantly seeking to cooperate in a climate of full and wholehearted trust.

FRANCE/POLAND/IRAQ

Q. – Does your famous statement made in Brussels aimed at us – “They missed a good opportunity to keep quiet” – also now belong to a past era, as President Kwasniewski says?

THE PRESIDENT – The European Union went through a difficult time during the Iraq crisis. That period is now over. I’m well aware that, in a 25-member EU, we can’t bring our positions closer together in one go by waving a magic wand. Everyone needs to learn to work together, listen to each other, transcend differences and forge common approaches. We’ve been doing this day after day for several years now and it’s increasingly bearing fruit.

FRANCE/POLAND/WEIMAR TRIANGLE/EU

Q. – For a while now, we’ve had the impression that our political relations, which historically were always very good, haven’t managed to keep pace with our economic relations (France is the leading foreign investor in Poland). What can be done in the Weimar Triangle and European Union to improve our bilateral political relations?

THE PRESIDENT – You’re absolutely right to highlight our excellent economic relations. In 2004 there was another very marked increase in our commercial exchanges. With €15 billion of investment, France is the leading foreign investor in Poland. Our businesses have created 150,000 jobs there to meet local demand. The political significance of the decision to invest is of vital importance: it’s an act of confidence in Poland and her economy.

As for our bilateral political relations, they have become more substantive over the past few months, particularly with November’s government seminar in Paris under the chairmanship of the two Prime Ministers. The Arras Summit is going to allow us to undertake even more concerted action in many spheres. This will be followed in the next few weeks by the visits to Poland of several French ministers.

I also want to talk about the Weimar Triangle. It’s an essential framework for dialogue and joint action. Think about it: Poland, Germany and France together account for 180 million inhabitants, i.e. nearly 40% of the EU’s population. That shows you the possibilities we have for initiating proposals, which must naturally be done in a spirit of openness and in close consultation with the other member States. Consequently, President Kwasniewski, the Federal Chancellor and I will be meeting in France in May for a Weimar Triangle summit.

FRANCE/POLAND/ARMED FORCES

Q. – France and Poland seem to see the need to multiply the number of symbolic gestures highlighting the importance of our relations in Europe. What do you think, for example, of the idea of, in the near future, inviting a Polish unit to take part in the 14 July military parade in Paris, as German soldiers have done in the past?

THE PRESIDENT – That would be an excellent idea. It wouldn't just be a symbolic gesture, but also a tribute to the courage which many Polish soldiers displayed in the French forces. It would also be one more sign of the substantial cooperation between our armed forces, and I hope they forge even closer ties in the framework of both the common European defence and NATO.

Already, Polish forces are participating alongside French forces in peacekeeping operations, for example in Bosnia where the European Union has taken over from NATO, and also in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

EU LABOUR MARKET

Q. – Your last talks with President Kwasniewski led to the creation of a working group tasked with looking at the possibility of opening the French labour market to Poles as from 1 May 2006. Is there a chance of seeing France adopt the same attitude as Britain, Ireland and Sweden in this respect?

THE PRESIDENT – I understand the sensitive nature of this question for Poland and we wish to deal with it to the best of our ability and in our mutual interests. In particular, there's a need to keep in mind the fact that, regrettably, France still has too many unemployed.

In France, unlike some other countries, all EU nationals with regular jobs have the same rights and must enjoy the same benefits as French workers.

The joint group created to consider the matter has met twice. It is scheduled to pursue its discussions in order to submit as soon as possible its initial operational conclusions to the two Prime Ministers. It's looking at the possibility of opening up the labour market, experimentally, and under what conditions this could be done. It must also find a way to strengthen cooperation between our two countries to fight illegal working.

FRANCE/POLAND/EU/CAP/INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS/CULTURAL IDENTITY

Q. – In which spheres should France and Poland put forward a common position in the European Union? In which spheres do our interests converge and in which others should we pursue our dialogue to avoid possible differences?

THE PRESIDENT – I firmly believe that there are a greater number of areas in which our interests converge. Poland and France can act together to promote the Common Agricultural Policy and defend our common interests in the international trade negotiations. Our two countries are deeply committed to respect for their national cultural identities and that of Europe.

CRIMINALITY/TRAFFICKING/CFSP

Poland, who has now nearly 1,200 kilometres of the EU's external border is, for us, an essential partner in the fight against crime and trafficking. The Common Foreign and Security Policy will be enriched by the experience you have of your neighbours, who are today ours.

EU/RUSSIA

So we have to build a stable relationship between the EU and Russia. Poland knows she has everything to gain from the development of trustful, constructive ties between the European Union and that country. It's essential to give concrete substance to the four “common spaces” [an economic “space”, a common “space” of freedom, security and justice, a “space” of cooperation in the field of external security and a “space” of research and education including cultural aspects] which we have decided to establish, particularly looking ahead to the forthcoming EU-Russia summit next May.

EU BUDGET/2007-2013

Q. – France has adopted a position in favour of limiting the EU budget for 2007-2013 to 1% of EU GDP. At the same time, we wish to maintain generous support for regions whose development is lagging behind. Are these two things compatible in a Europe soon to be enlarged to 27? How can we remain mutually supportive with such a small budget?

THE PRESIDENT – First of all, with the figure of 1%, the budget wouldn't be as small as all that. Let's not forget that it will increase at the pace of European growth, driven upwards by the good results you are recording. Secondly, at national level, our countries are all endeavouring to enforce budgetary discipline. It would be difficult to explain to our general publics that national budgets have to be cut whilst the EU is growing strongly. At the end of the day, it's the European taxpayers, i.e. including the Polish and French, who would bear the cost.

Moreover, a European budget of 1% of gross national income is compatible with fully respecting the obligation for solidarity with the States who have just joined the EU, as was the case for the preceding enlargements.

Q. – Do you believe that the compromise on the financial perspective is possible by June 2005, as the Luxembourg Prime Minister wants?

THE PRESIDENT – As you know, France has always supported the European presidency and I can well understand President Juncker's position. As always when you prepare financial decisions, there are difficulties to overcome. I hope we shall overcome them. I'm not sure we shall do so in this Council, but in the end, we shall.

EU CONSTITUTION REFERENDA/FRANCE/POLAND

Q. – Are you optimistic about the results of referenda on the European Constitution in France and Poland after Spain’s massive "yes", but such a low turnout on Sunday, 20 February?

THE PRESIDENT – Our two governments are resolutely committed to the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty, which is a step forward for our peoples and their future. This is why I am delighted that the Spaniards have approved the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty by a very large majority.

(...) I very much hope that this text is ratified by all the member States. In France the people will decide this after a democratic debate.

At stake is the consolidation of peace and democracy throughout the European continent and the building of a stronger, more mutually-supportive and more united Europe. I think that in the end this reality will be sufficiently clear to the Europeans for them to ratify the Constitution.

(...)

US/RUSSIA

Q. – Do you share the American President's criticism of the Russian President?

THE PRESIDENT – I'd like to warn you, as a European, against anything which could lead to misunderstandings between Russia and the European Union. Russia has to confront the difficulties of overcoming the consequences of the long period of communism, it's essential for Europe, as in fact for Russia, for relations between Europe and Russia to be excellent. From the French point of view they are.

60 TH ANNIVERSARY/END OF WORLD WAR II

Q. – You and the Polish President are going to Moscow on 9 May for the sixtieth anniversary of the end of the war. Yalta isn't the same for Poland as it is for the Russians. How should one take account of this historical sensitivity?

THE PRESIDENT – One always has to take account of historical sensitivities. But decisions must always be taken in the light of the future.

UKRAINE/EU

Q. – The President of Ukraine wishes to start European Union accession (or association) negotiations in 2007. Do you think that's a realistic date?

THE PRESIDENT – First of all, I salute the constructive role Poland played in the successful outcome of the presidential election in Ukraine. I had in fact expressed my full support to President Kwasniewski.

President Yushchenko intends to set his country on the path of reform. We must help him and take on board Ukraine's European aspirations in the framework of the Action Plan which the EU Foreign Ministers have just adopted. Working together with Germany and Lithuania, Poland and France played an active role in the preparatory phase of this plan's adoption. It will be our common point of reference for the next few years.

CHINA/ARMS EMBARGO

Q. – After talking to President Bush, are you on the whole optimistic regarding the prospects of lifting the embargo on China?

THE PRESIDENT – As you know, the EU is in favour of lifting the embargo, which has, from its point of view, no consequences for the transfer of military technologies or dangerous weapons, and is legitimate in the current political situation which is no longer the same as when the measure was taken.

ANTI-SEMITISM/EUROPE

Q. – What are the roots of contemporary anti-Semitism and how could we fight it together in Europe?

THE PRESIDENT – Anti-Semitism isn't an opinion: it's a perversion. It's a hatred, whose roots lie in man's darkest side and of which no resurgence must be tolerated. The fight against this scourge first entails fulfilment of the duty of remembrance. It was in this spirit that Poland organized, on 27 January this year, the extremely moving ceremony commemorating the Auschwitz and Birkenau camps in which I was honoured to participate. This action also entails an uncompromising, relentless battle against all forms of anti-Semitism.

NATIONAL IDENTITY/EU

Q. – How can one stay Polish or French in an enlarging Europe and a globalized world?

THE PRESIDENT– Your question makes me think of the fine words of the Polish national anthem: "Poland’s not dead as long as we live". Europe is being built on an original model, which maintains the nation-States. Thanks to Europe, we shall be stronger in this globalized world, while keeping our national identities. So let's stay Poles or French! And at the same time be more European!

I think it will be a success, for a simple reason: it represents progress, progress in building the peaceful and democratic Europe, and a Europe which is going to facilitate economic developments and social progress./.