Today's Date:

Toast given by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the diner given in honor of Jalal Talabani, President of Iraq

President Talabani, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome you and your delegation to the Foreign Ministry and know that you are once again here in our country, with which you have so many natural affinities and ties of friendship.

The meetings you are having today and tomorrow with the French authorities are the opportunity to talk about our relations and our cooperation and the way forward, as well as the situation in Iraq. You may be assured that you will always find in Paris interlocutors who are supportive, mindful of your concerns and ready to help you overcome the difficulties confronting your country today.

France was extremely pleased to see Iraq, finally rid of dictatorship, begin her progress towards democracy. She has given her full backing to the process to restore Iraq's sovereignty in every sphere and establish pluralistic institutions. She has, completely independently, made her voice heard and steadfastly defended the principles which today, as yesterday, she considers fundamental for the Iraqis to be able to gain the whole benefit of their new-found freedom.

From this point of view, the formation, this spring, of a National Unity Government was a major step forward. It is, however, true that the political transition process has not been completed. The inter-Iraqi discussions are indeed going to continue, particularly on the form of federalism for Iraq and method of managing her resources. These are essential issues on which the right balance must, here too, be achieved, one which takes all the communities' interests into account.

Iraq is rich in assets, a long history, the diversity of her people and a wealth of human and natural resources. This considerable potential can now be harnessed to the service of her development and her people's wellbeing.

But we have to face the fact that the wave of violence sweeping through Iraq – principally hitting her civilians – is severely testing national cohesion and the State's authority. It is putting at risk the courageous efforts of the Iraqis, with the international community's assistance, to get their country back on its feet and secure its future.

We share the grave concern aroused in Iraq, among our neighbours and in the rest of the world, by a security situation which has deteriorated in the course of the past few weeks. It is essential to halt this escalation of clashes, which are violating the most elementary human rights and threatening your country's unity.

Action must be taken and taken fast to prevent Iraq's assets from turning into seeds of division.

I want to express my firm belief that the Iraqis, once they resolve to avoid the trap of turning in on themselves and come together, are capable of taking up the challenges confronting them.

France is supporting all the initiatives, launched in Iraq and the region, aimed at encouraging the national dialogue in Iraq. Injecting new political momentum is essential to defeat the extremist forces and bolster the country's unity. More than ever before, breaking the cycle of violence requires support for the new institutions serving all components of Iraqi society.

The drawing up of the "international pact for Iraq" in which France is participating, also offers the opportunity to mobilize the Iraqis' efforts with the support of the international community. To address the urgency of the situation and prove equal to the current challenges, the "pact", which is going to be adopted in a few weeks' time, must be comprehensive and practical so that Iraq's partners support the progress observed in promoting national entente, restoring the rule of law and security and making the most of the country's wealth for the benefit of all Iraqis.

I want once again to address, to you, President Talabani, and, through you, to all your compatriots, a message of solidarity and hope.

Allow me to raise my glass in your honour and in honour of your accompanying delegation, expressing my wishes for the happiness of the Iraqi people and strengthening of the friendship uniting our two countries./.