www.infystocks.co.uk: The election of Barack Obama to the American presidency opens up more cordial relations between Paris and Washington on the international stage under

5 November 2008

The election of Barack Obama to the American presidency opens up more cordial relations between Paris and Washington on the international stage under

The election of Barack Obama to the American presidency opens up more cordial relations between Paris and Washington on the international stage under George W. Bush, but subjects already sticking point, especially Afghanistan.

French leaders, President Nicolas Sarkozy in the lead, quickly welcomed Wednesday the next occupant of the White House, assuring their willingness to cooperate closely on global issues.

Mr Sarkozy, whose country provides up to the end of 2008 the European Union presidency, hailed the "great hope" embodied by this election. He stressed that "France and Europe will draw new energy to work with America to preserve peace and prosperity of the world."

The president elected in France enjoys a favorable image in an overwhelming majority of the population and the political class, contrasting with the low enthusiasm for his Republican rival John McCain and enduring unpopularity of the incumbent, George W. Bush.

Relations traditionally sawtooth between France and the United States has plunged with the war in Iraq triggered by Washington in 2003, which France tried in vain to resist.

Crispée until the very end of the mandate of President Jacques Chirac, these relations have experienced an upturn with the May 2007 election of Nicolas Sarkozy, openly pro-American more than its predecessor.

"The rapprochement between Paris and Washington was under way before Obama, but with this new American presidency can go further," said Catherine Durandin, the Institute for International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) in Paris.

Mr. Obama has shown in his speeches that "it is no longer in unilateralism, but is aware of a world with several poles, closer to the French designs, is she.

The subjects on which Paris and Washington should seek to give their violins are still many, even if the controversy over Iraq has now subsided.

Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner suggested Wednesday that Afghanistan, where Mr. Obama wants the Europeans commit more troops, would be an "interesting discussion", ie likely harsh in terms not diplomatic.

"I do not think there will be a military solution in Afghanistan," he added, calling on Washington promoting a strategy where "we can move power, the responsibility to Afghans."

American side, Antony Blinken, advisor for international affairs of the future vice-chairman Joseph Biden, expressed confidence in the possibility for a new beginning between the United States and France, between the USA and Europe ".

But "it will not be easy," he nevertheless recognized Wednesday on French radio Europe 1, referring in particular Afghanistan.

For Chervalier Benedict, a lecturer at Sciences-Po Paris and a specialist in the United States, "there is no naively optimistic to expect from Obama, who will defend American interests as much as another. But there will be a different perception of the world. "

Paris could be in Washington listened more attentively on environmental issues, or expanding the G8 to major emerging countries (India, Brazil ...), two subjects dear to Mr Sarkozy.

The bad surprise could come from a desire for Mr. Obama "to give particular importance to Germany" within Europe, said Mr. Chervalier recalling that Berlin had been entitled to more respect than Paris during his European tour in July.

www.infystocks.co.uk

The election of Barack Obama to the American presidency opens up more cordial relations between Paris and Washington on the international stage under

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