Macron’s Historic Visit to US Marks Major Milestone - Macron Commits France to US War in Syria
Today, Emmanuel Macron held a speech in Congress. The French President had been preparing for the event and held his speech in English. Previously, the honor of addressing Congress was granted only to Charles de Gaulle. It's supposed to accentuate special relations with France which Trump's trying to establish. And it seems he's been quite successful. The visit has already been called touching.
Alexander Khristenko has the details.
As usual, congressmen get up and burst into applause even before the guest opens his mouth. Emmanuel Macron spoke in English, recalling the historic ties of the two nations, their common freedom values and battles. Soon, his intentions became clear.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France: "We stand together in Syria to fight terrorists who want to destroy everything we're fighting for. It's written on the flags of the French Revolution: "Live free or die".
In the Syrian context, it sounded almost like an ultimatum. If Syrians make the wrong choice they'll get their freedom brought to them by Tomahawk missiles.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France: "In Syria, we work together. After the chemical attack perpetrated by Assad's regime against civilians the US, France and the UK delivered missile strikes against several chemical facilities in order to restore the international justice".
The Middle East was also one of the discussion topics during the gala dinner at the White House. Trump quoted Hugo. Macron was hanging on his lips. But when it was Macron's turn to speak Trump didn't seem to pay attention to him.
Of course, Iran was also mentioned. Macron and Trump agreed to upgrade the Iranian nuclear deal even though it was signed by seven nations, including Iran itself whose opinion seems to be irrelevant. The response was quick. President Hassan Rouhani called Trump a "tradesman" who lacks qualification in international affairs. He said that a termination of the deal would be fraught with consequences.
Emmanuel Macron, President of France:"Iran should never possess nuclear weapons. Not today, not in five years, and not in ten years. Never. But it should never lead to a war in the region. We must establish stability and respect the sovereignty of all nations, even Iran".
Trump still considers the nuclear deal that had been prepared by the diplomats of seven nations for years to be ridiculous and terrible. His body language seemed to reflect the complexity of the conversation. Trump tried to dominate but Macron wasn't giving up. He even laughed at his clumsy joke. Judging by their body language, Trump and Macron became even closer after the three-day state visit.
For now, it's unclear who won over whom concerning the global affairs. We only know that the next guest of Washington will be the European heavyweight Angela Merkel. She's not so easy-going as the French President which means the leaders will have to discuss the harsh geopolitical reality.
Alexander Khristenko, Nikolai Koskin Vesti, Washington, the USA.