France , Statelogs , Cablegate
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Viewing cable 08PARIS2302, FRANCE GOES GLOBAL --REFORM AT THE QUAI D'ORSAY Understanding cables Every cable message consists of three parts: The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
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"After all, "we are not married to Areva", added Gerald Wolf, EDF Senior VP for International Operations." by Aug 24
Viewing cable 09PARIS1745, FRANCE: US PHARMACEUTICAL FIRMS AGENDA Understanding cables Every cable message consists of three parts: The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
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Quand la France ne voyait pas dans le Hezbollah une organisation terroriste by Jun 19
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Viewing cable 08PARIS460, BETANCOURT HOSTAGE SITUATION RENDERS "POOR" Understanding cables Every cable message consists of three parts: The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was. The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable.
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Viewing cable 07PARIS4549, CHAVEZ DISAPPOINTS IN PARIS: IN MEETING WITH Understanding cables Every cable message consists of three parts: The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
Viewing cable 06PARIS7251, DAILY NEWSPAPERS: FIRST IN A SERIES ON THE FRENCH MEDIA
06PARIS7251, DAILY NEWSPAPERS: FIRST IN A SERIES ON THE FRENCH MEDIA
2009-07-31 - FRANCES POSITION ON NUCLEAR ISSUES IN THE RUN-UP TO THE NPT REVCON
"For France nuclear weapons are not bad or good, they just are. Thus, France continues to oppose the phrase a world free of nuclear weapons, which in Arauds view implies a moral judgment. " et toc ! by Dec 9
"In the negotiations preceding Frances return to NATOs integrated military command, President Sarkozy made clear that an independent French nuclear policy was an untouchable redline." normal quoi by Dec 9
"¶8. (S/NF) In the context of an FMCT, French officials have repeatedly mentioned Chinas expected opposition to real progress, regretting that, unlike France or the United States, the Chinese are not publicly challenged on their lack of action. As part of an effort to encourage movement by the Chinese, the MFA Disarmament and Non-proliferation sections Celine Jurgensen told us that France intends to call for a universal moratorium on fissile material production as FMCT negotiations proceed (ref D). Noting potential progress in Geneva on starting these negotiations, Jurgensen said France intends to move as soon as possible, potentially making its plea for a moratorium at UN First Committee discussions this autumn." by Dec 9
"¶8. (S/NF) In the context of an FMCT, French officials have repeatedly mentioned China’s expected opposition to real progress, regretting that, unlike France or the United States, the Chinese are not publicly challenged on their lack of action. As part of an effort to encourage movement by the Chinese, the MFA Disarmament and Non-proliferation section’s Celine Jurgensen told us that France intends to call for a universal moratorium on fissile material production as FMCT negotiations proceed (ref D). Noting potential progress in Geneva on starting these negotiations, Jurgensen said France intends to move as soon as possible, potentially making its plea for a moratorium at UN First Committee discussions this autumn." by Dec 9
Hé ouais "The statements cited Frances reduction of its nuclear warheads to 300, dismantling of fissile material production sites, and a moratorium on fissile material production, while welcoming U.S.-Russian negotiations to reduce nuclear arsenals which represent 95% of the global stockpiles." by Dec 9
2009-08-06 - NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT) BILATERALSWITH UK, FRANCE, AND GERMANY
2006-12-12 - A/S FRIED AND FRENCH NSA-EQUIVALENT GOURDAULT-MONTAGNE DISCUSS RUSSIA-GEORGIA, RUSSIA-KOSOVO AND TURKEY-EU
About Kosovo , that's a threat : "As for the Ahtisaari proposals, MGM said Putin had told the French Russia will not hesitate to veto any solution that does not enjoy the agreement of all the stakeholders." by Dec 2
Pourquoi les É-U soutiennent la Géorgie : 1. la situation globale s'améliore sous l'égide de Saakashvili ; 2. La violation de l'intégrité territoriale géorgienne constituerait un précédent dangereux. 3. L'Allemagne et les pays d'Europe centrale et orientale ont besoin de s'assurer que le pétrole et le gaz en provenance d'Azerbaijan et d'Asie centrale ne transite pas exclusivement par des pipelines possédés ou contrôlés exclusivement par la Russia. by Dec 2
Discussions autour de l'affaire Litvinenko, de la Géorgie, du Kosovo by Dec 2
2007-05-10 - ENGAGING THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT ON FOREIGN POLICY: FIVE IMMEDIATE ISSUES
"Eu/Turkey : While a change of heart appears extremely unlikely given Sarkozy's political identification with opposition to Turkish membership and his categorical statements on the issue, we should seek to persuade him to temper his post-election rhetoric, allow accession negotiations to proceed, and at least not close the door dramatically and completely at this time. " by Dec 2
"AFGHANISTAN: MFA Political Director Araud has underscored the need for the USG to engage the new government to dispel the widespread impression, shared by Chirac, that Afghanistan may be a losing cause. " by Dec 2
EU TOP IMMEDIATE PRIORITY , Sarkozy sait qu'il a le champ libre pour le mini traité. by Dec 2
"Sarkozy has little foreign policy experience and speaks only very limited English. Given his strong character and action-oriented agenda, and his desire to put France back on center stage, we can nonetheless expect Sarkozy to move quickly to assert himself as an equal partner at the upcoming June 6-8 G8 Summit in Germany and the June 21-22 European Council meeting in Brussels. " by Dec 2
2007-05-15 - K READOUT OF BLAIR-SARKOZY MEETING
" The British were frankly surprised that Sarkozy agreed to see Blair before Merkel, although Sarkozys trip to Berlin would be his first official visit. Noting that it was a pity that French and British timing were not in synch -- Blair would be leaving as Sarkozy arrived -- the meeting also made sense as a way for the British to make up for the fact that their government would change in a few weeks, and thus would fall behind other European countries in engaging with the new French government. Sarkozy was accompanied at the meeting by likely PM Francois Fillon and Sarkozys chief of staff, David Martinon (to be the Presidential spokesman). The interpreter who came was not needed: as is customary, theirmeeting was entirely in French." by Dec 2
"Asked about the impact of Sarkozy on Europe more generally, Hitchens expressed hope for a better UK-French working relationship, although he hastened to add that UK-French relations would never threaten to overtake the Franco-German tandem. Indeed, the UK hoped for good trilateral cooperation between Europes main powerhouses." by Dec 2
"On substance, Hitchens described four UK conditions for reaching an agreement, on three of which he believed that the UK and France could succeed in narrowing their differences. First, the UK would insist on an amending treaty rather than a new constitutional treaty, in order to avoid a referendum; Sarkozy appeared to agree. Second, the UK wanted less qualified majority voting than did France, but Hitchens judged the differences as bridgeable. Third, the UK said the UK did not favor symbols which gave the impression that the EU was a state, and therefore does not support an EU foreign minister. Similarly, the UK was concerned by a new Sarkozy proposal for an EU President that would go beyond the rejected draft constitutional treaty." by Dec 2
2007-05-18 - THE PRESIDENT'S JUNE 6 MEETING WITH FRENCH PRESIDENT SARKOZY
On Turkey : ¶10. (C) Finally, Sarkozy's opposition to Turkish entry into the EU is public and likely unshakeable: it is one of his few defining foreign policy issues. He has heard our strategic rationale for bringing Turkey into the EU, but has made clear that whatever the ramifications of keeping Turkey out, he opposes bringing 70 million Muslims into Europe, further diluting its identity and exacerbating France's own sensitive immigration issue (although he puts his argument in terms of "Turkey is in Asia Minor, not Europe.") by Dec 2
Le changement de position français sur l'Afghanistan est bien dû à la politique extérieure des états-unis by Dec 2
2007-06-07 - FRENCH MFA OFFICIAL SHARES VIEWS ON IRAN/IRAQ
Wow. Do Iranian officials really overestimate the power of their regime ? by Nov 29
2007-06-26 - ADDRESSING RUSSIAN ARMS SALES
an interesting opinion of the Syrian regime by the Russians:"With respect to Syria, Russian experts believe that Bashars regime is better than the perceived alternative of instability or an Islamist government, and argue against a U.S. policy of isolation." by Dec 2
"Defense analysts attribute Russias decision to sell weapons that the Venezuelan military objectively did not need due to the interest of both Venezuelan and Russian government officials in skimming money off the top. The sale of Su-30MK2 fighter-bombers was cited as a specific example where corruption on both ends facilitated the off-loading of moth-balled planes that were inadequate for the Venezuelan Air Forces needs." by Dec 2
People may like this quote : "As former Deputy Prime Minister and senior member of the Duma Defense Committee Anatoliy Kulikov told us, Russia makes very bad cars, but very good weapons," by Dec 2
Russian arms sales, that's all this cable is about by Dec 2
2007-06-26 - U/S BURNS' JUNE 12 DINNER MEETING WITH FRENCH POLITICAL DIRECTOR ARAUD
About Turkey : "Levitte had explained Sarkozy's position to the Turks during a recent visit to Ankara, where he also informed the GOT that Sarkozy would ensure that the Armenia genocide bill would die in the French Senate. " by Dec 2
Afghanistan : While France's earlier call for a "contact group" had been ill-conceived, urgent but discreet Quad format discussions are needed on preparing an "exit strategy" or "success strategy." by Dec 2
About Lebanon "Burns told Araud that the United States had been surprised at not having been consulted prior to France's recent call for a conference on Lebanon in Paris. Araud contritely agreed that consultations in advance were warranted." by Dec 2
About Iran : "He observed that the French Embassy in Tehran reports that U.S. financial sanctions have been very effective, but that Iran is not yet ready to yield to international pressure." by Dec 2
About Georgia : "Voicing well-known French reservations over NATO membership for Georgia, Araud questioned whether membership ultimately made sense: "Georgia in NATO means problems; it should have the diplomacy of its geography." He pointed to Finland -- a prosperous and independent non-NATO country on Russia's border -- as a possible model. " by Dec 2
"In their meeting, Sarkozy had raised with Putin human rights concerns, including the situation in Chechnya, the violent repression of a recent gay rights parade in Moscow, and the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya. Putin reacted by attacking human rights (prison conditions) in France. " by Dec 2
"Araud stated that Russia has become a problem as it regresses to a traditional Czarist foreign policy -- imperialist and brutal, reflecting endemic racism, anti-Semitism and nationalism.By way of an example, he noted that a high-ranking member of the Duma recently exclaimed to a visiting French official, "so, you've elected the Jew Sarkozy!"" by Dec 2
"In an aside before the dinner, Araud described how Ingrid Betancourt's release had become such an important cause in France, one which President Sarkozy had insistently associated himself with during the presidential campaign" by Dec 2
2007-07-31 - FRENCH MFA PUTS SARKOZY'S JULY 10-11 NORTH AFRICATRIP IN CONTEXT
"Douste-Blazy reputedly despised and would not visit Tunisia for its human rights record" Comme quoi entre Douste-Blazy et MAM il y a un écart. by Mar 20
"Reigneaud claimed that Sarkozy did discuss specific cases, including the subsequently released dissident lawyer Mohammed Abbou. (Comment: French newspapers reporting Abbou's release referred to reports that Sarkozy had raised his specific case while in Tunis. Interestingly, and perhaps partly because of the overwhelming and breathless coverage of France's role in the ""Bulgarian medics"" case and Sarkozy's visit to Libya, the GOF did not seek credit for Abbou's release. End comment) " by Mar 20
"--Civilian nuclear development: Dharmadhikari acknowledged that France did not get very far pushing its desire to sell civilian nuclear equipment to Algeria on this trip. He faulted inadequate preparation for the visit (presumably on the Algerian side) more than Algerian disinterest in the idea. Dharmadhikari noted our signature of an accord recently with the Algerians and hoped that the USG and GOF could consult formally about nuclear cooperation with Algeria." by Mar 20
2007-08-24 - FRENCH MFA "REFLECTING" ON IMPLICATIONS OF KOUCHNER'S VISIT TO IRAQ
"As a final note, Masseret confirmed tentative press reporting that the MFA is now committed to the idea of opening an "embassy office" in Irbil. He elaborated that it would be lightly staffed -- a sort of "French presence post" -- and not expected to handle consular duties (too few French citizens in northern Iraq, no desire to take on visa work in Irbil)." by Dec 2
"Kouchner also carried with him a copy of an editorial he wrote before the March 2003 invasion entitled "Neither Saddam nor War" to correct the misimpression that Kouchner had supported U.S. military force to remove Saddam Hussein. " by Dec 2
"Masseret recalled Kouchner's longstanding ties to Kurdish leader and current former President of Iraq Jalal Talabani, who had been pressing Kouchner to visit since Kouchner became foreign minister. " by Dec 2
2007-09-05 - FRENCH MFA READOUT ON AUGUST 23 TEHRAN VISIT BY ELYSEE ADVISER RICHIER AND MFA DAS GELLET
most analysis is flawed--by at least a [personal] bias--you just have to use a critical eye and good discernment to find gems of truthiness... ;) by Nov 29
A flawed analysis of France's position by Iran :D by Nov 29
2007-10-26 - PRESIDENT SARKOZYS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE U.S.: POLICY COORDINATION WITH A SELF-CONSCIOUSLY INDEPENDENT FRANCE
"Colombia: Sarkozy promised during his presidential campaign to work for the release of Franco-Colombian FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt. He would sorely like to be able to achieve in a few short months what Chirac couldn’t despite years of effort. " Now we understand why we heard so much about her during the first months of the Sarkozy presidency by Dec 2
CFE: The French government remains concerned over the Russian threat to suspend participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in December and strongly supports a unified Allied position in support of the U.S. “parallel actions” plan. by Dec 2
"Sarkozy, for example, took the unprecedented (for a French President) step of visiting human rights activists while in Moscow. France is concerned about both Putin’s increasingly authoritarian style and Russia’s increasing willingness to defy international opinion, as on CFE and Georgia. Sarkozy is also less willing than Chirac to allow energy security and trade priorities to dominate France’s appoach." by Dec 2
"We’ve shown the French that even with considerably greater economic and population growth than in Europe, we’re doing a better job at reducing both energy intensity and carbon emissions." by Dec 2
"KEY POLICY ISSUES: WHERE THEY ARE AND WHERE WE WANT THEM TO BE" by Dec 2
" On Iraq, Sarkozy and Kouchner have made a dramatic difference, offering political support and associating France with reconstruction efforts -- and prompting surprisingly little opposition or criticism. On NATO, Sarkozy has challenged his bureaucracy -- and the U.S. -- to find a way to fashion a win-win approach for NATO and ESDP that would entail a full French “return” to NATO, although the specifics of Sarkozy’s conditions have not yet been worked through. " by Dec 2
"On permanent overdrive and intense in the best of times, Sarkozy’s recent divorce raises questions about his ability to maintain his equilibrium and focus. Sarkozy has himself spoken of his dependence on Cecilia -- “my source of strength and my Achilles Heel,” as he put it. During their separation in 2005, a highly irritable, darker Sarkozy came into view -- the same one that reappeared at the Lisbon Summit the day after the announcement of the divorce. How much Cecilia really anchored him, personally and politically, should soon become evident, but we are betting on Sarkozy’s ability to bounce back." by Dec 2
2007-12-14 - XXXXXXXXXXXX DESCRIBES CAUTIOUS, CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONS
About French & German heads of state, :" ¶2. (S) In a December 10 meeting, XXXXXXXXXXXX, said the December 7 Merkel-Sarkozy meetings in Paris were very productive even though Merkel and Sarkozys personalities are like fire and water.XXXXXXXXXXXXsaid tension is felt throughout the room when the two are together, then added that just being in a room with Sarkozy is enough to make anyones stress levels increase. XXXXXXXXXXXX noted that Chirac and Schroeder also did not connect personally, but still had a constructive partnership." by Dec 2
2007-12-11 - YOUR DECEMBER 16-18 VISIT TO FRANCE
Plus bas, Mémo pour les lecteurs, NIE Report : http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20071203_release.pdf by Nov 29
2008-01-23 - SARKOZY, KOUCHNER ADVISERS ON NATO, RUSSIA, IRAN, AND SARKOZY
Mémo pour les lecteurs, NIE Report : http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20071203_release.pdf by Nov 29
Bons commentaires au sujet de la dépendance énergétique. by Nov 29
2008-01-26 - SARKOZY IN SAUDI ARABIA
"Four cooperative agreements were made: 1) political consultations to coordinate regional activities; 2) energy policy regarding gas and oil; 3) vocational language training increase from 100 to 500 students to help overcome the French-Arabic language barrier; and 4) higher education with the goal to increase the number of Saudi students in France (currently 4000). Pres Sarkozy had a brief (10-minute) presentation to Saudi business leaders." by Dec 4
"Readouts from the French and the press were positive, but our Saudi contacts privately shared displeasure with certain French conduct." read comment at the bottom of the doc. by Dec 4
2008-02-12 - P3 MEETING ON NONPROLIFERATION AND DISARMAMENT ISSUES
"Cluster munitions have also attracted the attention of FM Kouchner and the French government is under heavy domestic pressure to take action. Unfortunately, once cluster munitions are declared to be unacceptable, it is hard to argue that we still need to use them for awhile.' by Dec 2
"U/S Rood noted that the U.S. is continuing discussions with Russia on a post-START regime. Both Russia and U.S. did not want to simply extend the current agreement, which is both cumbersome and expensive. The U.S. wanted to draft a new agreement based on the Moscow Treaty. Unfortunately, Russia wanted conventional weapons to be limited under the agreement as well. The U.S. does not agree; as a compromise, in October we proposed a legally binding treaty with transparency and confidence-building measures. However, in the run up to the Russian presidential election, the Russians are in no mood to compromise. We do not support further efforts on global INF." by Dec 2
Unfortunately, the Chinese oppose a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) because they wanted to preserve their freedom of action and ability to make more nuclear weapons. by Dec 2
2008-05-19 - Y (POTUS) OUR JUNE 14-16 VISIT TO PARIS
"The French share our skepticism about ElBaradei and the IAEA. Given an unchanged French estimate of Iran’s nuclear capabilities (perhaps more influenced by Israel’s), Sarkozy will listen carefully to your views on the way forward with Iran. He and many other French policymakers share our concerns about the regional threat Iran poses in the Gulf, Iraq, and Lebanon" by Dec 2
"Sarkozy’s commitment to a more Altanticist France is not in question. But he does have to factor in the political caution of many around him (including Prime Minister Fillon) and the continuing strength of the Gaullist consensus among the public at large." by Dec 2
2008-05-23-FRANCE/LEBANON: FRENCH PRESIDENCY POSITIVE BUT NOT NAIVE ABOUT DOHA ACCORD, WANTS ONGOING U.S./FRENCH CONSULTATION ON
" We flagged for Boillon the possibility that Washington may once again ask EU member states to designate Hizballah a terrorist organization in light of the events of recent weeks. He reiterated what we have consistently heard from MFA DAS-equivalent for the Levant Ludovic Pouille, namely that designating Hizballah was completely out of the question for France." by Mar 20
2008-08-21 - TFGG01: FRENCH VIEW OSCE MONITORS IN GEORGIA AS EMERGENCY STEP ONLY
Après le 8 août 2008 en Géorgie by Dec 2
2008-09-09 - ELYSEE READOUT OF SARKOZY'S SEPTEMBER 3-4 VISIT TODAMASCUS
Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Kathleen H. Allegrone, reas ons 1.4 (b) and (d)."On a related note, Boillon confided that last week he met with a "personal envoy" (NFI) from Saudi King Abdallah, who outlined an initiative to provide up to USD $1 billion dollars in support to Lebanese Sunni groups for use in the upcoming parliamentary elections and for defense "against Hizballah." "If that is the Saudi vision for Lebanon, that is truly worrisome," said Boillon," by Dec 9
¶4 : Questions de prisonniers, de Gilad Shalit et de parler directement au Hamas. by Dec 9
Selon Boillon, pourquoi Assad n'a pas reconnu l'existence d'une attaque : "Boillon assessed that Bashar has been weakened by the assassination of Mohammed Suleiman and would himself be "finished" if he were to publicly acknowledge Israel's successful attack on Syria's nuclear research facility, an attack to which the Syrians made no effective riposte." by Dec 9
French conditions to normalize with Syria : Syria would need to respect its commitments (e.g.,normalizing relations with Lebanon) and respect certain non-negotiable principles (e.g., Lebanon's sovereignty and the inviolability of the International Tribunal on the Hariri assassination). + the exchange of ambassadors with Lebanon (the most critical benchmark in Boillon's opinion); the modification of the Syria-Lebanon High Council; and the restoration of three defunct commissions to discuss refugees, borders, and to review existing treaties. by Dec 9
2008-10-08 - MARCH 14 SHOOTS ITSELF IN FOOT DURING ELYSEE VISIT
"However, Boillon acknowledged that negotiations for Shalit's release have stalled; he suggested that Cairo was having difficulty finding a formula that would satisfy Hamas and yet would not be exploited by Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.
Second, Boillon said the French had indications that later this month or in early November Damascus would name its ambassador to Lebanon, thereby making an exchange of ambassadors before the end of this year a
genuine possibility.
Third, Boillon noted that the GOL and the SARG had recently exchanged lists of prisoners as a first step towards the possible release and repatriation of Lebanese political prisoners held by Syria.
Finally, Boillon said that a joint GOL-SARG commission on border demarcation had decided to move forward on mapping all areas of dispute with the exception of the Sheba Farms." by Mar 20
"On a more positive note, Boillon recounted several encouraging signs with respect to Syrian behavior. First he said that the French have received "proof," in the form of assurances from the Qataris that the French have no reason to question, that captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit received a letter entrusted by his father to President Sarkozy, and that the Emir of Qatar later conveyed to Hamas politburo chief Khalid Mishal." by Mar 20
"Boillon recalled that during his visit to Damascus, Sarkozy made clear to President Asad that France would improve relations with Syria "step-by-step" but only so long as Syria honored its commitments and respected two key principles: the independence of Lebanon and the need for the International Tribunal on the Hariri assassination. " by Mar 20
2008-12-05 - 08PARIS2212, FRENCH SAY SYRIA DELIVERING ON ALL FRONTS
"In a startling admission, al-Asad tacitly acknowledged that he is not preventing arms from transiting Syria to Hizballah, although the French read his comment as an indication that Syria would end weapons shipments if it were to conclude a peace agreement with Israel. Boillon said the French team encouraged the Syrians to be transparent with the IAEA, adding that it would be "catastrophic" for Syria's dispute with the IAEA to escalate." by Mar 20
2009-06-08 - EUR A/S GORDONS JUNE 3 MEETING WITH FRENCH NSA LEVITTE
Russia / Georgia : "Levitte returned to the question of international observers, saying that the West should push Russia hard in New York and Geneva to let the observers stay. They (the Russians) will accept it if we stay strong, Levitte noted, adding that the Russians must understand that they will pay a price for changing the status quo." by Dec 2
LOL : "Levitte began by explaining the French decision not to invite the Germans to the June 6 D-Day commemoration."Its my fault, said Levitte," by Dec 2
2009-06-22 - - FRANCE MID-EAST DIRECTOR ON PEACE PROCESS
Un beau rôle à donner à la France. by Dec 20
"He [Paoli] claimed that "the credibility of President Obama will be judged on the issue of settlements." Paoli a raison. by Dec 20
"¶1. (S/NF) MFA Middle East Director (Assistant Secretary-equivalent) Patrice Paoli informed POL Minister Counselor June 18 that Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak told French officials in Paris June 15 that the Israelis have a "secret accord" with the USG to continue the "natural growth" of Israeli settlements in the West Bank." by Dec 20
2009-07-31 - 09PARIS1039 - FRANCES POSITION ON NUCLEAR ISSUES IN THE RUN-UP TO THE NPT REVCON
2009-08-12 - IRAN: FRENCH COMMENTS ON DEALING WITH HOSTAGES
Mémo au sujet de Majid Kakavand, cet article de l'Express : http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/justice/l-affaire-kakavand-imbroglio-franco-americain_842095.html by Nov 29
2009-09-09 - FRANCE-IRAN: JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE AT THE ROOT OF BAIL SET FOR KAKAVAND, PER PRESIDENCY ADVISOR
Richier assured us that French authorities are keeping a close eye on Kakavand,s whereabouts to prevent or interrupt possible flight. They have established what Richier called "tight" surveillance on Kakavand. Proving the point, Richier telephoned to a colleague in one of the services who confirmed that Kakavand was currently in buildings owned by Iran and managed by the Iranian Embassy, located in Paris. Richier added his own private observation that the way in which the judgment was rendered in this case implies that the request for extradition will be approved, although we must wait until October for that decision. by Dec 2
" Richier told us that the Elysee had been taken completely by surprise by the judge's decision. The prosecutor in the case had consistently argued for holding Kakavand, but the judge had determined that Kakavand "presented little chance for flight" and had agreed to release him on 200,000 euro bond." by Dec 2
" We met with Elysee strategic affairs advisor Richier September 4 to follow up on reports that a French judge had released Iranian national Majid Kakavand on bail and subject to determination of a pending U.S. extradition request." by Dec 2
2009-11-08 - SCENESETTER FOR YOUR VISIT TO PARIS -- NOVEMBER 8, 2009
"As a case in point, last week Kouchner had to cancel a planned visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories in part because of the continuing tension there, and in part because of Israel's refusal to allow him to visit a French hospital in Gaza. " Oo by Nov 29
Portraits de Kouchner et Sarkozy. Quelques mots sur l'accord au sein de l'UMP : réintégration de l'OTAN contre arrêt d'envoi de troupes en Afghanistan. by Nov 29
"France is our strongest ally in pursuing a dual track policy with Iran, and has been helpful in rallying Europe to a more clear-eyed assessment of Iran's nuclear ambitions." Good point for France. by Nov 29
"FM Kouchner quickly invited you to lunch or a meeting on Sunday, which is not an usual practice." :) by Nov 29
2009-11-17 - FRANCE AND BRAZIL: THE START OF A LOVE AFFAIR
" France also voted for and strongly supported Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Olympics in early September and was one of the first countries to congratulate Brazil on its victory" by Dec 2
THE F-X2 PROJECT, le Rafale etc... by Dec 2
" The Brazilians have a well established military relationship with the French that dates back to the mid-1980s, most recently including a $12 billion arms and technology transfer deal passed by the Brazilian Senate on September 3, in which France will help Brasilia establish their nascent nuclear submarine program, according to Brazilian Embassy sources in Paris." by Dec 2
"First Lady Carla Bruni did not participate in the French Presidents most recent trip to Brasilia to the disappointment of the Brazilian public, who reportedly greatly appreciate the fact that Frances first couple often vacation in their country, according to the Brazilian embassy in Paris. Comment: We judge that Sarkozy takes full advantage of Carla Bruni,s individual popularity and their popularity as a couple to advance French national interests in Brazil." by Dec 2
A distorted mirror :p ? "Brazilian diplomats noted that the two men have very similar personalities and that Lula has often commented that looking at Sarkozy is like looking in the mirror." by Dec 2
Well done :"mploying multi-billion dollar military and civilian trade deals as his calling card, Sarkozy has successfully managed to forge extremely close ties with Brazil in the past two years, picking up from where his predecessor Chirac left off in a previous attempt to woo the world,s fifth most populous nation of 200 million." by Dec 2
2009-12-04 - PRESIDENT SARKOZY: THE KEY DECISION-MAKER WHO CAN BE A FORCE MULTIPLIER ON GLOBAL ISSUES
Afghan : Last year, on our request, President Sarkozy went against all of his political and military advisors to deploy a French OMLT to assist the Dutch forces in Uruzgan, a critical reinforcement of a key ally. It was also Sarkozy alone who made the decision to deploy an additional 700 troops at last years Bucharest summit -- at the time of the announcement, even key staff were still unsure what the final decision would be. by Dec 2
2010-02-08 - SECRETARY OF DEFENSE GATES'S MEETING WITH FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER KOUCHNER, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
<<Gabon, which takes the chair in March, is a "good asset for France," he commented.>> Tu m'étonnes by Nov 29
People will love this one from Robert Gates : <<He commented that the Saudis always want to "fight the Iranians to the last American," >> by Nov 29
Tout ce que Le Monde a déjà lu avant nous. :) by alcide Nov 30