France renews ties with Iraq (endorses the lie)

[Aidoneus]

There is a certain sense of irony here:--opening arms to these Vichys.. It is distressting how Western liberals were duped into thinking that the rightwing regime in France was "on their side" vis-a-vis Iraq.

France renews ties with Iraq
Monday 12 July 2004

France and Iraq have re-established diplomatic ties after 13 years, France's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The government of the French Republic and the government of Iraq, wishes to promote and to reinforce the ties of friendship and cooperation existing between their two countries and two peoples."

The two countries, "on the basis of mutual respect for their sovereignty ... have taken the decision to re- establish diplomatic relations from 12 July 2004," the statement said on Monday.

Both "governments are convinced that this decision will contribute to a strengthening of links between France and Iraq and to an intensification of their exchanges, in the best interests of the two countries," it said.

The statement, issued by foreign ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous, said the two countries would exchange ambassadors "as quickly as possible".

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/04301B4B-2A14-4D50-9AF3-697DF8406AC5.htm

[Solly Mack]

1. Some at DU figgered France was just protecting it's interest

and didn't get mad at France for doing what America was doing- acting in it's own interest.

This in no way constitutes support of Chirac.

[Aidoneus]

2. that wasn't the limit for the most of it

closer to the truth, though.

[Solly Mack]

3. Theres always more to anything

[tom_paine]

4. Exactly. Well said and true.

I did buy a bottle or two of French Wine to support them, though.

I did it with eyes wide open, not thinking they were the unconditionasl pals of Liberty.

[Larkspur]

5. But I don't recall France being willing to send troops to Iraq

They agreed to train Iraqi police outside Iraq, but not in it. That was the last I heard.

[Laughing Mirror]

6. Endorses the lie, but also gets Paris back in the game

no matter who the players are. They'll deal with that later. Alongside Russia, Paris was leading supplier to Iraq during Iran-Iraq war. Iraq owes Paris $2.9 billion before interest. Washington wants Paris to write it off, but Paris wants it back, in payment or as political leverage.

[Racenut20]

7. Just trying to get some of their money back, and cheap gas