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| Europe |
| Malaysian PM says France’s Chirac ’understands’ |
| 2003-10-19 |
| Mahathir Mohammad has thanked French President Jacques Chirac for blocking a European Union declaration condemning his comments on Jews. Chirac, backed by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, stopped the EU from ending a summit Friday with a harshly worded statement deploring Mahathir’s speech. EU leaders then compromised by having Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, the summit host, criticize Mahathir at his closing news conference. A French diplomat, who asked not to be named, said while Chirac disagreed with Mahathir’s strident views, he argued that an EU summit declaration "would not have been appropriate." The French presidency denies supporting the Malaysian prime minister. But Malaysian newspapers said Mahathir had expressed his gratitude to Chirac for his "understanding" of the speech he made at the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, the world’s largest Muslim grouping, in Malaysia last Thursday. Mahathir said he had feared Muslims would be more angered by the speech, which was also critical of Muslims. "I never thought the Europeans would be against me," the New Sunday Times quoted him as saying. "I can’t understand them. I’m glad that Chirac at least understands. I would like to thank him publicly." Mahathir said that "anybody who reads the whole speech through will understand what I said," the Sunday Star reported. Mahathir’s comments caused a storm of controversy, with the United States, Canada, Germany, Britain, Australia and Israel branding the remarks outrageous. |
| Posted by:tipper. |
| #9 Chirac, backed by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, stopped the EU from ending a summit Friday with a harshly worded statement deploring Mahathir’s speech. So Aris, where's the outrage, or do you think your Prime Minister did the right thing? |
| Posted by: R. McLeod 2003-10-19 11:08:44 PM |
| #8 I’m glad that Chirac at least understands. I would like to thank him publicly." Mahathir I'm guessing that even though ya'd think that Chirac would be horrified by this, he's probably pleased as punch with it. It probably opens doors and lays red carpets for his type of business associates and patrons. |
| Posted by: B 2003-10-19 8:54:35 PM |
| #7 I'm just waiting for France to declare all of Europe as it territory and haave the economy collapse there. Then we can ban Europeans from Immigrating here because of economic troubles. " What? The Euro collapsed and is now worthless? Well boo-freagin-hoo. " |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-10-19 7:12:27 PM |
| #6 www.fuckfrance.com |
| Posted by: Greg 2003-10-19 1:33:30 PM |
| #5 Well, we KNOW who our enemies are. As long as Chiraq is in power in France, there is not a snowball's chance in hell of relations improving. France is our enemy, not a shootin' enemy, but still an enemy. And Madeline Half-bright is an apologist for this sicko. If the EU wants to carry Chiraq as an albatross hanging on their necks, its their game. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-10-19 1:00:38 PM |
| #4 When the kooks applaud and thank you. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-10-19 12:43:37 PM |
| #3 BD - Excellent point - and I hope you're right. |
| Posted by: .com 2003-10-19 12:21:05 PM |
| #2 "I never thought the Europeans would be against me," the New Sunday Times quoted him as saying. "I can’t understand them. I’m glad that Chirac at least understands. I would like to thank him publicly." I hope that certain EU countries take note of this statement, and realise that at best this suggests they're sending out mixed messages as regards anti-semitism, to the likes of Mahathir. |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2003-10-19 11:51:29 AM |
| #1 And I thank him also, merci beaucoup or as a friend of mine in Texas would say "mercy bucket". Why criticize a guy who is also against the USA policy of unitateral defence by using unilateral offense? Why criticize a guy who is anti-semetic when you are the President of the most anti-semetic country in Europe? And when your best allie is Germany who you represent from time to tim what would give you the right to defend Jews? So, mercy bucket, old pard, for once again proving to all of us what a complete arrogant, ignoramus, chicken shit, yella belly you really are. |
| Posted by: Jack is Back! 2003-10-19 11:15:30 AM |