International

Chirac calls up Bush

PARIS APRIL 15. The French President, Jacques Chirac, today spoke to his United States counterpart, George W. Bush, about the war in Iraq for the first time since February 7, according to Mr. Chirac's office.

The 20-minute telephonic conversation, which came at the French President's initiative, was "positive", Mr. Chirac's spokesperson, Catherine Colonna, said.

Mr. Chirac told Mr. Bush of "France's willingness to act in a pragmatic way" on issues relating to the post-war reconstruction of Iraq, she added.

He listed disarmament, the issue of sanctions, the shape of an interim government for Iraq and the country's oil resources as the key issues on the table.

Mr. Bush thanked Mr. Chirac for the conversation and for his input.

In the build-up to the U.S.-led war in Iraq, Mr. Chirac steadfastly opposed the use of military force against Baghdad, sparking the ire of U.S. officials and a wave of anti-French sentiments in the United States.

"Much remains to be done, in fact, following the fall of (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein in order to give back to the Iraqi people their sovereignty and their dignity," the spokesperson told presspersons.

"France believes that the international community should take no chances and, therefore, give way to the United Nations as soon as possible. It's in everyone's best interest," she added. — AFP

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