French Minister to Visit U.S. Often to Improve Ties

[Rose Siding]

PARIS (Reuters) - French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier said Monday he planned to make regular visits to the United States as part of a drive led by President Jacques Chirac to improve relations soured by the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
"We need more political dialogue -- we need to talk more," Barnier told the International Herald Tribune in an interview.

Barnier, who visited the United States last month, said he would seek closer ties with Washington by traveling "every three to four months" to meet U.S. government officials, members of Congress and others.

His comments came days after Chirac suggested that he and President Bush work together to make 2005 a year of transatlantic trust and unity. The White House responded to Chirac saying Bush wanted "to reach out to our European friends and allies."
...
Barnier said it was "a mistake, an error of analysis" for the Bush administration to try to divide the continent into an "old Europe" -- principally France and Germany -- and a new, more pro-American Europe, including former communist states.

"Americans must understand that it is in their interest that Europe get organized and have an autonomy," he said. "It's the price to pay for an effective alliance. The alliance between Europeans and Americans must be balanced."

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=7279326&src=rss/ElectionCoverage

[Wisc Badger]

1. As Long as the French are in Charge

"Americans must understand that it is in their interest that Europe get organized and have an autonomy,"

Like I said as long as the French are in charge!

I am not a fan of the French.

:puke:

[Rose Siding]

3. Yes, their obnoxious being-right-about-stuff gets on my nerves too

More freedom fries?

[NYC]

2. I think Barnier started off on the wrong foot.

...Barnier said it was "a mistake, an error of analysis" for the Bush administration to try to divide the continent into an "old Europe" -- principally France and Germany -- and a new, more pro-American Europe, including former communist states...

Apparently he forgot that Bush doesn't make "mistakes".