 |
 |
|
|
|
| Commentary . . . | |
||
| |
|||
| |
|||
| |
 |
|
||||||||||||
Monsieur Sarkozy goes to Washington . . . with a Reaganesque message
UNITED NATIONS — Falling in love again. That would best describe the theme and the sentiments of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent State Visit to Washington. Rekindling the Franco/American amity and reviving the transatlantic ties which were so recently tainted by animosity stemming from the Iraq war, Sarkozy’s visit was not about damage control, but about stressing shared values, symbolism and aspirations..
“I came to Washington with a very simple message. I want to reconquer America's heart,” Sarkozy said during a toast to President George W. Bush. He added, “I have come to tell you one thing, that is that France and the United States are friends, we are allies, always and forever.” Unapologetically pro-American, Sarkozy’s charm offensive to the U.S. government and people was in response to the tempestuous political relations between these longtime allies. Stemming from strong French opposition to the Iraq war, relations between Paris and Washington went into a downward spiral. Though the political discord between the Bush Administration and Jacques Chirac may have been overstated, the policy undertones should not be underestimated. Nor should the negative “man on the street” feelings towards France which was seen as an ungrateful ally or worse be forgotten.
Also In This Edition
| ||||||||||||||
Significantly, President Bush brushed aside these recent differences with France and said both countries were working together to solve global conflicts. “French and American troops are helping to defend a young democracy in Afghanistan. Our two nations support the democratic government of Lebanon,” he said adding, “We agree that reconciliation and democracy in Iraq are vital to the future of the Middle East and our two nations condemn violations of human rights in Darfur, in Burma and around the world.” But it was President Sarkozy’s magisterial and deeply emotional address before the joint session of the United States Congress which proved a political milestone which was cheered with standing ovations by both Democrat and Republican lawmakers. Relating heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices of American soldiers who fought and died in two world wars to preserve France’s freedom, Sarkozy offered a special benediction, “I want to express the deep, sincere gratitude of the French people. I want to tell you that whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them and I am sad, as one is sad to lose a member of one’s family.” He added, “The men and women of my generation remember the Marshall Plan that allowed their fathers to rebuild a devastated Europe. They remember the Cold War, during which America again stood as the bulwark of the Free World against the threat of new tyranny….No one has the right to forget. Forgetting, for a person of my generation, would be tantamount to self-denial.” Turning to current crises, he stressed “Let me tell you solemnly today: France will remain engaged in Afghanistan as long as it takes, because what’s at stake in that country is the future of our values and that of the Atlantic Alliance. For me, failure is not an option. Terrorism will not win because democracies are not weak, because we are not afraid of this barbarism. America can count on France.” He added forcefully, “Let me say it here before all of you: The prospect of an Iran armed with nuclear weapons is unacceptable.” In conclusion his speech ended with “Allow me to express one last conviction: Trust Europe. In this unstable, dangerous world, the United States of America needs a strong, determined Europe.” France’s left-leaning newspaper Le Monde described Sarkozy’s address to the U.S. Congress as an “Ode to America.” Le Figaro viewed the visit with a very French angle, editorially calling it “operation seduction.” Later at Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home, the symbolism of historic Franco/American relations shone forth. It was a Frenchmen, the Marquis de Lafayette, the 250th anniversary of his birth is celebrated this year, was the first foreign dignitary, in 1824, to address a joint session of Congress. Lafayette who offered his services as a volunteer to help the American colonists fight the British, soon became Washington’s friend and military confident and thus contributing to American independence. Clearly the Bush Administration looks to Nicolas Sarkozy as America’s key and most vocal European ally—replacing Britain’s Tony Blair. Now in the afterglow of the Summit, Sarkozy’s visit to Washington turned out to be a win-win diplomatic triumph for both sides but perhaps far more importantly, a reaffirmation of the friendship with America’s oldest ally.
John J. Metzler is a U.N. correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He writes weekly for World Tribune.com. |
