The Hindu : International : France hopes for closer ties with Iraq

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 13, 2004

International

International

France hopes for closer ties with Iraq

PARIS, JULY 12. France and Iraq have restored diplomatic relations that were severed 13 years ago during the Gulf War and plan to exchange Ambassadors as soon as possible, said the French Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

``The two Governments are convinced this decision will contribute to closer ties between France and Iraq and will intensify exchanges to the greater benefit of the two countries,'' it said in a statement.

Bernard Bajolet is now France's highest diplomatic representative in Iraq, and has been in discussions with Iraqi officials about restoration of ties that the former Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, broke off in 1991.

Paris and Baghdad wish ``to promote and to reinforce the friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries and the two peoples, on the basis of mutual respect for their sovereignty." — AP

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