The authority and influence of France on the world scene in the 21st century will not depend solely on its modernity and cohesion, nor even on the continuity and professionalism of its foreign policy. France will be heeded if it has a message to convey. Faced with the temptations of laissez-faire, France must stand out as the nation with the imagination and determination to pursue an ambition that combines cogency with generosity.

One can go to war alone, but you can't build peace alone.

I am not prepared to accept the economics of a housewife.

I am logically in favour of a referendum. It would be the only legitimate way.

France will insist on the need for updated and responsive institutions.

As soon as one nation claims the right to take preventive action, other countries will naturally do the same.

The European Union and Russia have an identical viewpoint. We have condemned any potential revision of the ABM treaty, believing that such a revision will involve a risk of proliferation that will be very dangerous for the future.