The Hindu : International : History will judge us, says Chirac

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 19, 2004

International

International

History will judge us, says Chirac

LONDON, NOV. 18. The French President, Jacques Chirac, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on Thursday played up their agreement on the necessity of reinvigorating the West Asia peace process and other issues, passing lightly over their disagreement over the Iraq war.

At a joint news conference, Mr. Chirac said the two leaders agreed on the necessity for action on economic development in Africa and on climate change.

Calling the Iraq war the ``one and only'' issue of sharp disagreement, Mr. Chirac said: ``Who is right or wrong, history will tell.'' In ``Afghanistan, on the Balkans, on the question of Africa, on the question of climate change we are working very closely together. On the question of European defence, both on the defence level and the industrial level, we are working closely together,'' Mr. Blair said.

``And it is worth just pointing out that our armed forces have been engaged in cooperation together in many different parts of the world,'' Mr. Blair said. Mr. Chirac said he was ``taken aback'' by some comments in the French press suggesting strains between the two countries. ``They do not reflect either my own beliefs and certainly not the British Government's.''

Mr. Chirac arrived at Mr. Blair's Downing Street office after reviewing a guard of honour to mark the start of his visit. He will also enjoy the hospitality of the Queen , as the two countries celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ``Entente Cordiale''

— AP

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