It's a different outlook, and one that I understand. When you are a former member of the Warsaw Pact, when you have lived behind the Berlin Wall, when you have experienced the communist systems that existed in these countries, for them, the West represents hope.

A country like France now does two-thirds of its trade within the euro zone.

Prohibiting a visible religious sign, which isn't a manifestation of militancy, would look like a fight against religions.

It's a different outlook, and one that I understand. When you are a former member of the Warsaw Pact, when you have lived behind the Berlin Wall, when you have experienced the communist systems that existed in these countries, for them, the West represents hope.

I believe that transatlantic relations are very important and that President Bush's visit to Brussels, in a few days, will have a major impact on that.

The Republic is open and tolerant but also knows how and when to be firm and make its values respected.

The United States, for a French citizen, is a friend, an ally, to whom we owe, along with most Europeans, our freedom.