World more dangerous after Iraq, says Chirac
The French President Jacques Chirac said the Iraq war and the ousting of Saddam Hussein have made the world a more dangerous place.
Mr Chirac, who starts his two-day state visit to Britain on Thursday, said the war in Iraq had increased terrorism.
Speaking on the eve of his visit, he commented: “To a certain extent Saddam Hussein’s departure was a positive thing but it also provoked reaction such as the mobilisation in a number of countries of men and women of Islam which has made the world more dangerous.”
He is coming to Britain to mark the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, a pact to end the two countries’ colonial rivalry.
On Monday, the Prime Minister Tony Blair urged European leaders to heal the divide between Europe and America.
But Mr Chirac questioned Britain’s unflinching support for the US-led Iraq war in 2003, saying her shoulder-to-shoulder support had not precipitated any discernible benefit.
“I am not sure that it is in the nature of our American friends at the moment to return favours systematically,” he said.
During his visit the leaders are likely to discuss issues such as the EU, Britain’s upcoming presidency of the G8, climate change, security in Afghanistan and Africa, and organised crime.
Mr Chirac is expected to attend a reception at Windsor castle hosted by Queen Elizabeth on Thursday evening.
In the afternoon, Mr Blair and Mr Chirac will host a joint press conference at Lancaster House inside St James’ Palace.
On Friday, Mr Chirac will speak with students at Oxford University.
