French consul details nation's perspective

[Flagg]

French consul details nation's perspective
By Beth Ashley, IJ reporter


Official speaks on war in Iraq, other topics at San Rafael forum

France's disagreements with the United States over the Iraq war were based on principle, not politics, French consul general Frederic Desagneaux of San Francisco told the Marin chapter of the World Affairs Council last night.

He also said such disagreements failed to disrupt widespread cooperation between the two nations on other fronts, including economic investment, educational exchanges and the war on terrorism. Even now, he said, French and American soldiers are fighting side by side in Afghanistan.

Desagneaux, addressing more than 200 people at a dinner meeting in Calaruega Hall at Dominican University in San Rafael, detailed France's continued partnership with this country, pointing out that, this June, the two will celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Europe, when American soldiers were among those who died defending the right of the French to self-determination and free speech.


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