[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 172 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S14026-S14027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF FRANCE

  Before commenting on the conference report on Labor, Health and

[[Page S14027]]

Human Services, and Education, just a word or two about the speech of 
the President of France which we just heard in a joint meeting of 
Congress. It was truly inspirational. They applauded the United States 
for our values and urged close cooperation, alliance, and friendship 
between the United States and France.
  He touched some very important subjects, committing France to 
expanded participation in NATO, to have Europe take over more of its 
own defense--which is good news for the taxpayers in the United States 
since our Nation has undertaken more than its proportionate share. He 
spoke in emphatic terms about the unacceptability of Iran having a 
nuclear weapon and the pledge of cooperation from France to engage in 
negotiations and dialog, to see that does not happen.
  There were important words about the Mideast peace process, the need 
to take risks for peace, the need for a secure Israel, the need for 
release of intervention in Lebanon by Syria, about the importance of 
having Israel and the Palestinians come to agreement.
  It was a very impressive speech. I think it bodes very well for 
United States-French relations and for greater participation of France 
in international matters. He also spoke about global warming--received 
a standing ovation--about the need for U.S. participation with other 
nations in environmental protection.

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