Press conference: Prime Minister Tony Blair and President Jacques Chirac

5 February 2003

Read a transcript of the press conference in full

President Chirac

Ladies and Gentlemen, as we start this press conference, I would like to say how happy we have been, we the French, to welcome the Prime Minister of Britain. We are here with my government and I would like to thank very warmly, on my behalf and the Prime Minister's behalf, the French authorities, especially the Mayor of Le Touquet. This place is a symbol of our friendship between our two countries.

A word to begin with to stress, as we have had long experience of bilateral meetings both of us, also of multilateral meetings, so I would like to emphasise the very warm character of our meetings, and I have to stress this because some commentators in the media in the cultural world may have raised this point. And I have never met such a warm gathering, there is a very warm feeling coming from our talks, and this is the truth, very simply put.

We have raised a number of matters, first of all the topical international issues, Iraq to begin with. On this our approach is not quite identical, but I must say something to begin with, because I have heard a number of comments, initially among political leaders. We represent two ancient civilisations, two old nations, two old cultures. For centuries now we have been side by side and sometimes we have been fighting each other. But we have forged also links and had interests that were not always the same. There is no surprise in this. And now today in the European context we have to have the will, the determination and the imagination to pare down all our differences and strengthen what unites us. But of course there is no magic bullet and it is natural to see that today we have made some progress, some substantial progress in our cooperation, but unfortunately there are still some differences, but the point is to manage these differences in a friendly way, and not in an aggressive way.

On the matter of Iraq our approach is different, but to start with we have two main beliefs that we share. The main belief is that we have to disarm Iraq, and the second one is that this move, these actions must be pushed within the organisation of the United Nations. That is the very essence and on this we completely agree. Starting from this line, we may have a different approach on the Consequences But these differences are minor, much less than what might appear. I am giving my point of view, and the British Prime Minister will give his in a moment, but as I see things today, the essential thing is to leave the inspectors to do their work. We have to take into consideration all the elements that ... them and with the statements that are expected from Colin Powell tomorrow. We shall expect the consequences drawn by Mr Blix and Mr Baradei in the Security Council in a few days and we believe that everything has to be done to give the inspectors all possible resources that they may need in order to come up with the result that we seek, which is to disarm Iraq, and we believe that it is possible to do this by these means.

We have also talked about the Middle East. The Prime Minister has been speaking to President Bush three days ago and we have talked together about the Middle East. We have simply said that our analysis is identical. We have to go back into the political arena because that is the only way that we can go forward. We have also raised the matter of Afghanistan and noticed that we see eye to eye on this and gave our full support to the present Afghan authorities, to Mr Karzai, the Prime Minister.

Also we have raised as a major issue, which is just as essential for the Prime Minister as for me, and that is Africa. In this area, starting from different political and historical points, we have arrived at a complete consensus and we have noted the progress of matters. We see eye to eye completely the need to fight poverty, to help Africa, to have her fate in hand, and we support the NEPAD move, as discussed at the last G8 meeting. This will be the case at the next G8 meeting in Evian. We have a financial move which we support for Africa and on the proposal of the British Prime Minister, we are getting ready with a new initiative which will be a partnership with a view to invest in particular for water supplies. On this we will have a concrete proposal in the coming weeks and this will be submitted to the G8 meeting in Evian.

We have discussed defence. Very often we have not seen eye to eye on this between France and Britain, this is a matter of history, but I remind you that it was in St Malo that we have started, Mr Blair and I, the idea of pooling our resources, having a defence pool, and we have convinced the 13 other partners in the European Union that this was a good move. We have now reached the point where the European Union has a common defence policy which is developing apace. We have progression and this must go on.

In the statement that you will have, or have had already, you will notice that we have a number of points where we have progress, we have adopted a common position. We have made progress on our complete understanding of actions as we want to have complete agreement between the European Union and NATO. We also have complete understanding of what happens in the former Yugoslavia. We also have the principle of solidarity now among our partner states. We have the point of solidarity in case of any attack, terrorist attack for instance, and also for situations of a European agency for disarmament. This is in order to be more effective, so it is disarmament and armament in order to have an effective defence. I have explained our views in France. We understand that there are two British aircraft carriers where two companies were bidding - Thales and BAE. Thales will take a major involvement in this proposition and we have a consensus there which shows that we see eye to eye in defence. This is a daily reality and of course this opens the way to new prospects for France. When building the second aircraft carrier we shall immediately invest towards studies in order to be associated with the building of the second aircraft carrier, and we will be thinking of the third when the day comes.

We have raised the problem of European institutions, that is the convention led by M. Giscard d'Estang. We have the same approach on this and we are practically agreed on the shape of this convention.

We have raised the matter of the next Brussels summit meeting, which will be on Lisbon. And also here we have observed great consensus with a determination to work together and make common suggestions for this meeting which will be held on 20 and 21 April. We have possibly a different appreciation on other matters. This is about agriculture, on which we have a different vision. We do not want to look at each other like china dogs, we are looking for a solution, a solution that will be acceptable to both partners and naturally we both have to take steps since there are slight differences of views, mainly on agriculture.

We are pleased that thanks to our determination and our will to succeed on a difficult dossier, our two Home Secretaries have been able to overcome the difficulties regarding the closure of the Sangatte Centre. We have thanked the British Home Secretary for his move.

We have raised the matter of the embargo on meat. We are pleased that this sore has been taken out of our heels. We have signed four agreements on policing and security, on maritime defence and also for the first time, which has to be stressed, for two countries of an ancient culture where we are very attached to our traditions, well for the first time we have signed an agreement on education. We want to make it easier in both of our countries to learn our respective languages. This is an achievement, this is a concrete achievement.

And finally naturally we have raised the matter of the 2004 anniversary of the entente cordiale. This is an historic date. Therefore we have entrusted to our two Ambassadors the task to make proposals towards this event. It is not only because it is the 100th anniversary but also because it has to I think be a springboard for us so that we can move on to the future in the same spirit.

Thank you very much Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Thank you. And first of all can I express my warm appreciation to the people of Le Touquet for their kindness in welcoming us here, and thank President Chirac and Prime Minister Raffarin and their colleagues for what has been a summit with a tremendous spirit of cooperation and friendship. And as the President said, of course there are differences on certain issues, but I think what was remarkable was the degree to which we were able to come together around a whole set of common themes and undertakings that I think auger very well for the future.

The President was telling us in our Council that the room that he and I had our meeting in was the marriage room actually of the Town Hall, and that by our table at which we were having the meeting was a picture that commemorated the marriage I think of Louis XII and Mary, the daughter of Henry VIII of England. So there you are. What better blessing could you have on a bilateral summit than that?

And I would say that I think, without repeating all the things that the President has said to you, I think some of the progress we have made on some of the dossiers before us has been quite remarkable.

In the field of defence, it is as you know four years since St Malo and we had a difficult negotiation frankly to get the European Union and NATO in agreement together. But now that that has been resolved, I think this is the time to push that whole initiative forward, and we have agreed a number of things, as the President was indicating to you. First, there is the actual launching of operations for European defence in Macedonia, and I welcome very much France's offer to lead the Macedonian operation. Secondly, there was a very important and formal commitment by both countries to put the assets of each of our country at each other's disposal in the fight against terrorism, which I think is of enormous importance to all our citizens. Thirdly, there was the development of a comprehensive approach to defence capability with the establishment of a new agency in order to make sure that we are matching the aspirations that we have in European defence with capability and efficient procurement. Fourth, there was the concept of the rapid reaction capability and making sure that we have the ability to act quickly and deploy quickly in circumstances where we need to. And lastly, as the President was indicating to you, in the field of defence I think there is an important step forward that has been taken in defence procurement with the cooperation between British Aerospace and Thales in the construction of the new carriers, and I think that is an area too where there is much to hope for in the future. And so I think what was begun at St Malo has today received a significant push forward.

In respect of Afghanistan, again without repeating what the President has said to you, we agreed on the objectives that we need to secure there. I spoke actually this morning to President Karzai of Afghanistan and we had a good conversation and agreed how important it is that we do everything we can to secure the stability of Afghanistan.

And on Africa I would like to emphasise the strength of our working together in this area. First of all, we are both committed to the NEPAD concept. Secondly, we want this to be a key issue for the G8 summit, hosted by France this year. We are taking forward the initiative that we launched together at Johannesburg. And we discussed the prospect of an international finance facility in order to bridge the gap between the resources that have already been pledged in respect of aid and development, and the resources necessary if we are to meet the millennium goals for 2015. International finance facility is the proposal that has been put forward by the British Chancellor, and I was gratified at the warm and welcome response it got from President Chirac. And I would also, if I may in this moment, express my full support and solidarity for France in the handling of the very difficult situation in the Côte d'Ivoire, it is not an easy situation this for all the reasons that are well known. But I believe that France is handling this in an intelligent and skilful way and you have our full support in doing so.

We also had I think again a very important set of agreements between the two Home Affairs Ministers - David Blunkett and Nicholas Sarkozy. And I would like to underline the importance of this, not just in itself but the whole issue to do with Sangatte and the relations between us have been a significant problem over the past few years, and yet even in those difficult circumstances the two Ministers have come together and resolved it, there is an agreement for the juxtaposed immigration controls to be set up which allow us to control immigration in a far more satisfactory manner, and there is an agreement to extend the use of detection equipment beyond Calais to other ports, and there is an agreement to work closely together on these issues in Europe because these are issues that do not affect just Britain or France, but every single country in Europe. And the truth is there is a limit to what any one nation on its own can do to tackle this problem, and we need to make sure at a European level we are working closely together.

On education, again as the President said, what is in a sense remarkable about this is not that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed, but that it is I think the first time that the two countries have come together on an initiative such as this, and I welcome that very much indeed.

On the future of Europe, we have already expressed our welcome for the ideas set out in the French-German paper issued on the 40th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty and I think again it is worth emphasising that we are very much on the same lines in relation to these issues where we want to see Europe develop and cooperate more, as it will do, but on the basis of a Europe of nations.

In respect of the Lisbon process and economic reform, we are working together, not just the French and the British, but also both of us with the Germans and we hope to be able to develop some ideas on this in the days to come.

And finally, on the issue of Iraq, of course there are the differences that are familiar to people, but I think it is important to emphasise again the two common points that the President alluded to - support for the notion of disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and the belief that this is best pursued through the United Nations. And as the President indicated, of course we have the presentation that will be made by Colin Powell tomorrow, we have then the report of Dr Blix, the Chief Inspector, on 14 February and we will make our judgments then.

I want to conclude by saying one word about the entente cordiale. There will be a celebration of this, as you know, next year. There will be of course much that is symbolic in that celebration. But I think what we have achieved today is very clear evidence of substance. And I know of course there will be all sorts of questions that you will pose to us, perhaps to elicit the differences - maybe I do you an injustice. But I think it is just worth emphasising yet again, not just what we agreed today, but the spirit in which we agreed it, which I welcome very greatly.

Question and Answer Session

Question

Mr President, Mr Prime Minister, on the entente cordiale and the letter of the 8 signed by Tony Blair and others, was that an entente cordiale or was it otherwise?

Prime Minister

Well I think what we said in the letter was self-explanatory, but you know of course that Europe also came together on a common position I think on 27 January in the General Affairs Council. And in the spirit of entente cordiale that is all I will say.

President Chirac

As the Prime Minister has just said Europe met on 27 January and the General Affairs Council adopted a unanimous position, which is the European position.

Question

Mr President, one of the great thinkers of our time, Mr Donald Rumsfeld, stated that France was part of old Europe, in other words a Europe looking back over its shoulder at the past, and we understand your reluctance to support war in the Middle East, therefore might I ask you if you are going to be able to maintain this position after this Franco-British Summit but remain in tune with the majority of public opinion both in France and in Britain rather than towing the Rumsfeld line? And Mr Blair, Nelson Mandela, a gentleman whom you have held in much esteem, has suggested that you are now fulfilling the function of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America. How do you react to this observation? And if it were to have any accuracy, would it not impede the ambitions of those who wish to see you as the future President of Europe?

President Chirac

On your first question, I would simply say that when there are very important grave issues at stake, it is very important to stand by one's principles, but also to respect other people and their principles. So do not expect me to open heaven knows what Pandora's box or get into an argument with anybody.

Prime Minister

I am very happy being British Prime Minister, thank you.

Question

Mr President, do you think there needs to be a time limit set on UN inspections? If not, in a country the size of Iraq with just over 100 inspectors and indifferent cooperation from Saddam Hussein, couldn't the operation just simply go on forever?

President Chirac

Well I note that the inspection system is something that in the past proved to be very effective. I would recall that in the first round of inspections they destroyed more arms, the inspectors did, than had been destroyed during the war of the Gulf war. I just note that point. So the inspectors system is very effective. My second point is that you asked me to judge on whether these present inspectors are effective, well I am in no position to do so. It is for them to tell us whether or not they have the ways and means, or if they need further means to do their job. And it is also for them to tell us what level of cooperation they are getting and what assistance they need. I have full confidence in them in that respect. And I would add that France will approve, without reservation, any request from them for staff or for material support that the inspectors come up with, anything that Mr Blix or Mr Baradei ask for, we will give them unreservedly.

Question

Prime Minister, first of all I would like to ask you, you have often said that you would not want to have to choose between America and Europe. Last week when you signed the letter of the 8, did you choose America over Europe? And Mr President, is it possible for France to accept or support military intervention in Iraq, and if it is yes, on what conditions?

Prime Minister

Well first of all I think it is important to recognise that everyone actually came together around Resolution 1441 which demands the complete and total disarmament of Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, and I would simply point out that the letter of course was signed by the European leaders. But the common position of Europe, as I said a moment or two ago, was set out on 27 January at the General Affairs Council.

President Chirac

As to our position, I repeat, it is well known to one and all, namely that there is still a lot that can and needs to be done in terms of disarmament by and through peaceful means. Therefore we would only adopt a position after such time as we believe, and when we believe, that nothing further can be achieved there.

Question

You talked about your agreement on Africa, can we ask you about Zimbabwe? You have made much of multilateralism, but it does appear to many in Britain that your invitation to President Mugabe clearly violates the spirit, if not the letter, of the European Union position of sanctions on travel by the President. What can you possibly hope to gain at a time when the opposition leader is on trial for his life in Zimbabwe by feting President Mugabe in Paris?

President Chirac

We are not setting out to prove anything and we are certainly not trying to be aggressive vis a vis anybody. This is a bilateral summit and we felt that it was necessary to invite Heads of State or Presidents, which is exactly what we did. We of course opened discussions in Brussels, which are ongoing, to see exactly what will be the final decision that we take.

Question

This is a question for both leaders. Returning to the timescale of the inspectors, President Chirac said it is necessary for them to continue their work. Would that be a question of weeks or months?

President Chirac

Well if that question is addressed to me, it is not for me to fix their timetable or deadline, it is for them and I have full confidence in them in doing so.

Prime Minister

And we have the inspectors report coming up on 14 February and I think we should take account of that very carefully.

Question

Wouldn't France's position be stronger if alongside all these diplomatic negotiations France were not actually stepping up its military pressure on Iraq?

President Chirac

Well it would not appear that there is a paucity or dearth of military means or military equipment being built up in the region.

Question

Mr President, the British and the Americans have said that there are only weeks, and not months, for Iraq to cooperate with the weapons inspectors and implied that means that war is weeks, not months away, unless there is a miracle. Would you use France's veto to veto a resolution in those circumstances?

President Chirac

Firstly I feel that war is always the worst possible solution and would add that in that region, above all others, we don't need any more wars. Having said that, I repeat, I feel that we need to wait. We have adopted a strategy of using inspectors. We need to have confidence in the inspectors - I do, I do, not everybody does - and we need to give those inspectors the amount of time they need to carry out the work we have entrusted to them. That is my position. As for the rest, well France will view its responsibilities as it sees fit at the appropriate time and in the light of the circumstances at that time.

Question

President Chirac, you have never specifically ruled out the possibility that in some circumstances at the end of the day France might be willing to join military action against Saddam Hussein. You are saying for the moment that such a decision can be postponed until the inspectors' work has finished, but can you say in what circumstances you would ever join military action? And has today's meeting changed your mind in any little way at all?

President Chirac

I would have no comment to make on this question and you will understand why I say this, as a Permanent Member of the Security Council I am not going to prejudge any possible decision and therefore adopt ahead of time a public position on the matter. So I have no comment to make.

Question

Could the Americans bring pressure to bear on the French and the Russians in the form of economic threats were we not to tow the Bush line, of course vis a vis Iraq?

President Chirac

Look, this is something which seems to be pie in the sky as far as I am concerned. I have never heard of any retaliation of any sort, retaliatory action that might be taken by the Americans. While we may not have a convergence of views with the Americans on this, but nonetheless given the excellent nature of our relations with the Americans there is absolutely no question of any retaliation on the part of the Americans.

Question

Mr President, do you agree with the British and the American governments that Saddam Hussein is already in material breach of the United Nations resolutions? And if you do agree with that, do you accept the consequence that force may have to be used against him?

President Chirac

This is just one more way of asking the same question over and over again, and I really wonder sometimes whether this is a game or that you think I am somebody who understands nothing and you have got to ask the same question in different ways that finally maybe it might get to my brain, but it still doesn't get there I have to tell you. I have told you what I have to say and I have nothing further to add, regardless of how you formulate your questions.

One point in conclusion before I give the final, final word to the Prime Minister. I fully understand that the main problem at the present time is Iraq because it involves war or peace are at stake and these are major issues. And of course I fully understand that that is what is foremost in all your minds, it certainly is foremost in my mind and I am sure in Mr Blair's as well. But I want to highlight the fact that when you look at things with a bit more perspective, when you take account of the past and you look to the future and you look to the way in which we are building Europe, which are huge challenges in front of us and challenges which we are facing progressively, when you look at all of that, when as I say you take a bit of perspective on the issue, we note that that which unites us at the European level, and in particular that which unites the United Kingdom and France, is increasingly important and far more important than anything that divides us, and that is the message I want to highlight here and that is the way forward. Our successors will not be dealing with the same issues as we have to deal with here today, at least I hope they won't have to deal with them, I hope they won't have to face problems of war and peace as we do. On the other hand, they will judge us on whether or not we were capable of making progress towards enhancing understanding and dialogue amongst people, among our peoples, concerted action between us, joint efforts to the benefit of what is the most important of all in the world, namely peace, democracy and development, and that is how we will be judged and that is what we have joined together in tackling and that is at the core of our concerns. And of course around all of that, pulled hither and thither, nevertheless we do feel that little by little we are moving forward in the right direction. From time to time the little destabilisation here or there, a little movement here or there, which is a bit out of step with our general move forward, but these movements are rarer and rarer and we are able to control them and that is where our ambitions lie. We need to manage this through respect for the other partner, respect for areas where we are separated and accentuating those areas where we can unite, for us, the United Kingdom and France and in the context of our ambition for the future of Europe.

This meeting here today from that point of view has in my view been extremely positive and so I am very happy at that and I am grateful to the British Prime Minister and his Ministers and officials for their efforts, my Ministers and my colleagues who have done excellent work, and that which in the historical perspective is important. And I will now give the final word to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

And that is that there are far more things that unite us than that divide us. That is all I have to say. Thank you.