Chirac: Iraq war destabilized Middle East
Iraq-France, Politics, 1/6/2007

France's President Jacques Chirac on his speech on the occasion of New Year's Greetings, President Chirac said that the Middle East has become the center of international tension.

Regarding the war in Iraq, Chirac pointed out that it has triggered upheavals whose effects have not yet ceased to unfold. "This adventure has exacerbated the divisions between communities and undermined the very integrity of Iraq. It has compromised the stability of the entire region, where every country is now concerned for its security.

He said the war on Iraq has given terrorism a new field into which to expand. More than ever the priority must be to restore full sovereignty to the Iraqis."

Chirac concluded that It is the duty of the international community to institute the process that will enable that trust to be restored. Strengthened by its commitments on the ground, Europe is now in a position to act.

"Europe, because it has been capable of overcoming its historical rivalries, is a continent of peace and democracy today, a focus of stability and a model for the other great world regions."

Previous Stories:
  French FM renews appeals for Iraq hostages' release   (8/1/2005)
  BBC: French President: situation in Iraq is now more risky   (11/18/2004)
  Iraq: France's stand on war unchanged, minister   (9/16/2004)
  Chirac: US and UK violated international law   (3/22/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search