Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Udie on February 17, 2003, 08:38:29 PM
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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=524&u=/ap/20030217/ap_wo_en_po/eu_gen_eu_chirac_eastern_europe_1&printer=1
BRUSSELS, Belgium - French President Jacques Chirac launched a withering attack Monday on eastern European nations who signed letters backing the U.S. position on Iraq, warning it could jeopardize their chances of joining the European Union (news - web sites
"It is not really responsible behavior," he told a news conference. "It is not well brought up behavior. They missed a good opportunity to keep quiet."
[edit] what it's not right to disagree with la france?
Chirac was angered when EU candidates Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic joined pro-U.S. EU members such as Britain, Spain and Italy last month in a letter supporting Washington's line on Iraq against the more dovish stance of France and Germany.
Paris was further upset when 10 other eastern European nations signed a similar letter a few days later.
France argued that the moves aggravated splits in the 15-nation EU and backed the ideas put forward by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld who had earlier spoke of France and Germany as "old Europe" in contrast to the easterners seeking to join the EU and NATO (news - web sites).
"Concerning the candidate countries, honestly I felt they acted frivolously because entry into the European Union implies a minimum of understanding for the others," Chirac told reporters after an emergency EU summit on Iraq.
He warned the candidates the position could be "dangerous" because the parliaments of the 15 EU nations still have to ratify last December's decision for 10 new members to join the bloc on May 1, 2004.
Chirac particularly warned Romania and Bulgaria, who are still negotiating to enter the bloc in 2007.
"Romania and Bulgaria were particularly irresponsible to (sign the letter) when their position is really delicate," Chirac said. "If they wanted to diminish their chances of joining Europe they could not have found a better way."
Britain, Spain and other EU nations had suggested the candidate nations attend Monday's emergency summit on Iraq, but France and Germany opposed the idea.
Although Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and British Prime Minister Tony Blair (news - web sites) were the driving forces behind the letter backing America and EU members Italy, Denmark and Portugal also signed up, Chirac saved his wrath for the candidates.
"When you're in the family you have more rights than when you're knocking on the door," he said.
[edit] ahhh now we get to the meat of it. guess what la france, you are pissing on your family already. Besides I'd bet those countries would be better off with an alliance with NATO/US/UK
Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Cyprus and Malta are set to join in May 2004. Lagging behind economically, Romania and Bulgaria were told to wait three more years.
Instead of attending the EU summit, the candidates are due to travel to Brussels Tuesday for a briefing on its outcome by Greece, which currently holds the EU presidency.
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis denied they had been excluded from the summit because of their backing for Washington, insisting rules require the treaties be signed first.
"We will not discuss pro-American or anti-American positions," Simitis told a news conference. "The candidate countries will be members" soon, and "we have to proceed together."
So who's the president of the EU right now? Le france or Greece? I think mr. chirac needs a nice warm cup of STFU....
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Damn.. fer a stuffed shirt, Chirac seems remarkably proficeint with a shovel.
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I bet France wins this one. They will destroy the EU.
France is trying to flex its little muscle against those who cannot stand up yet. I suspect the Eastern Block countries will not suffer much, ,the US has a tendency to remember its friends, even when others don't.
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Just read this on-line. My exact feeling also udie.
"It's my ball and if you don't play by my rules I'm leaving"
.....Chirac
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hardcase, i thought we've beaten up teh "US Friends/remembering" and all that in relation to eastern europe on AGW already enough times. Do we have to go though it again ?
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This whole issue is all about France and Germany trying to establish dominance in the EU. Showing that they can stand up to the USA who guided Europe to 50 years of prosperity and freedom from tyranny, the USA who they don't need anymore because the USSR is gone.
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You must remember that the french think Jerry Lewis is really, really, really funny.
With that in mind what the french say is of little meaning:D
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Originally posted by funkedup
This whole issue is all about France and Germany trying to establish dominance in the EU. Showing that they can stand up to the USA who guided Europe to 50 years of prosperity and freedom from tyranny, the USA who they don't need anymore because the USSR is gone.
i heard, US come now to tyranise us:D
can u hurry up guys?:)
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ROFL!
heard, US come now to tyranise us :D
can u hurry up guys? :)
Viola!!
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I've always admired Poles.
Solidarity had to be one of their "Finest Hours".
What "true grit" that took!
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Originally posted by ramzey
i heard, US come now to tyranise us:D
can u hurry up guys?:)
We are sending F-16s to keep you in line. :)
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against their flankers? Pity the vipers. ;)
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http://www.buyusa.gov/poland/pl/
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Originally posted by fd ski
hardcase, i thought we've beaten up teh "US Friends/remembering" and all that in relation to eastern europe on AGW already enough times. Do we have to go though it again ?
please feel free to sit this one out Fdski :D
j/k!
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Im waiting for straffo to defend this one somehow.
I kid you not, Chiracqs behavior yesterday was probably the most arrogant BS I have ever seen a political leader display in public. I almost didnt believe my ears when he said that the new EU members must be punished (for daring having a different opinion than France) and they missed a great opportunity to shut up. Can you belive that BS?
Mr Chiraq has missed alot of great opportunities to Shut the he** up in the past weeks, but that doesnt seem to bother him...noooo instead he is corageous for standing up to the US.
shrecking hypicrite!
I have lost all respect for france in the past weeks.
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Defend what ?
He shrecked and humiliated some of our best friends why should I defend him when he screw himself ?
I'm trying to think "independantly" (berk ... it don't sound english neitheir french :p ) .
I'm not following blindly my governement nor the best journalist of CBS (60 minutes is on CBS I think ?)
btw you never respected my country do you ?
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Originally posted by straffo
btw you never respected my country do you ?
Of cource I did.
Maybe not your military history, but there are other aspects to a culture or a nation. Art, architechture, music, achievements in space technology etc ...now it's all blurred out because of your policy on Iraq and the EU.
I kid you not straffo, I've had it up to here *points* with France and everything french.
It's the ice cold greed that is motivating your stance on Iraq, the obvious desire to shreck things up for the US for some reason, the arrogance displayed towards the US or towards the new member nations...the "we are an important nation, and the US is currently occupying our rightful place as world leader" attitude that shines through...or the "we invented the concept of freedom, equality and brotherhood"...or the "our culture is superior to all others"-attitudes that is so blatantly displayed these days.
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Presidency of the EU rotates between member nations.
Arrogance is not a French trait. Rumsfeld's gems about NATO and Eastern Europe are up their with Chirac's inanities.
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Originally posted by Dowding
Arrogance is not a French trait. Rumsfeld's gems about NATO and Eastern Europe are up their with Chirac's inanities.
The sad thing is that an imbecilic outburst like this one from Chirac only confirms Rumsfeld's statements in the minds of many.
-- Todd/Leviathn
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Originally posted by Udie
So who's the president of the EU right now? Le france or Greece? I think mr. chirac needs a nice warm cup of STFU.... [/B]
Udie...stealing my sayings now? you must be listening when im talking to FBrugby. i do agree though. But, why would france take a strong, stern position on iraq, terrorism, and just all around evil when they were not attacked directly. If landmarks were destroyed with great loss of life in those countries shouthing "be nice, hug a tree" (not limited to france, they've been flamed on this forum in every category enough to burn the whole place down 6 or 7 times) i think a lot more people would have a cause. Right now the U.S. has 3000 lives cut short, a landmarked known world-wide destroyed, another world-wide recognizable landmark damaged, 4 Airliners crashed, all martyrs. Thats a lot to live up to.
As for people upset about "lack of action" chew on this...WWII began September of 1939, ended in two cities destroyed in August of 1945. Nearly six years. Many can sum up WWII in as short as an essay going over the major events without great detail. Its not to the 1-1/2 year point post facto, and this war will make WWII seem like a short stroll. The war on terrorism has barley begun, and it will not be over tomorrow or next year. It's going to be a very long very terrible chapter in history and i dont know of anyone looking foward to it.
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I would think so, DMF. But the fact that two supposed statesmen are capable of such outright stupidity is mind-boggling.
Besides, I think many Americans don't realise that the President of France is not in the same position of authority it is in America. He's more of a figurehead rather than head of government, I believe.
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Chirac particularly warned Romania and Bulgaria, who are still negotiating to enter the bloc in 2007.
"Romania and Bulgaria were particularly irresponsible to (sign the letter) when their position is really delicate," Chirac said. "If they wanted to diminish their chances of joining Europe they could not have found a better way."
That is an absolutely disgusting attitude by Chirac. Almost sounds like "If you don't play with me, you're not coming to my house party"!
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"You are either with us, Or against us"
Yep..disgusting attitude.
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Lets all take it easy on the French.
They're just venting some 17 years of frustration in Le Tour since the last time a Frenchman won: 1 Italian, 1 Irish, 2 German, 6 Spanish, and 7 American victories since Bernard Hinault.
Add to that a first to worst performance in the World Cup: even the lowly American team performed better than the French in Korea/Japan. Perhaps for the next World Cup, they could get Cameroon's coach to help them back to prominence. ;)
Any American who is a Red Sox or Cubs fan can understand the frustration.
> edit for speling
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Originally posted by Replicant
That is an absolutely disgusting attitude by Chirac. Almost sounds like "If you don't play with me, you're not coming to my house party"!
To make my position clear : chirac screwed big time
but how is his attitude differ from GWB/rumsfield ?
In now way I support chirac attitude.
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
Any American who is a Red Sox fan can understand the frustration.
Just had to bring that up;)
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Originally posted by straffo
To make my position clear : chirac screwed big time
but how is his attitude differ from GWB/rumsfield ?
In now way I support chirac attitude.
GWB/Rumsfield are talking about with or against the US in the war on terror. Frankly I cannot see why anyone would want to be against that war.
Chiracq is talking about with or against France.
There is a difference. You seem to miss it...as usual.
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1 arrogant nation calling another nation arrogant........bahahahahahah a too much:rolleyes:
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don't waste your time Hortlund I'm ignoring you today.
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Originally posted by straffo
don't waste your time Hortlund I'm ignoring you today.
Why am I not surprised.
Well, when you run out of arguments....
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no,I've just some work to do.
Don't you ?
btw I unscribed all thread now ...
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Yes, very disgusting.
Either with us or against us,and we'll use our influence to hurt you if you're not with us.
Really despicable - lost all respect for Chiraq.
Yanks; now this is a little further from home, so it is easier to see objectively.
Do you now understand why many Europeans know that 'with us or against us' black and white world is roadkille, regardless of origin?
:D
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Originally posted by StSanta
Yes, very disgusting.
Either with us or against us,and we'll use our influence to hurt you if you're not with us.
Really despicable - lost all respect for Chiraq.
Yanks; now this is a little further from home, so it is easier to see objectively.
Do you now understand why many Europeans know that 'with us or against us' black and white world is roadkille, regardless of origin?
:D
Bush was speaking on the war agains terror, and he was 110% correct in saying that. I'd venture to say that all of europe is with us too, except maybe france. How have we excluded any of our allies from anything? Do you really think we needed to go to the UN for this iraq mess? Why is it that you think we would subject ourselves to people like the french? Because we want to dominate the world? If we were like that we wouldn't have even gone to the UN in the first place and ask it to do it's job. That being said, if the UN won't act on it's own resolutions of the past 12 years, we will. Because we want oil? no. Because we want to rule the world? no. Because it's the right thing to do, period.
The United States of America, unlike france, does not forget it's friends. I would hope that the past 60 years would have proven that fact. Don't forget, it wasn't just our government protecting Europe from the Bear, it was paid for with the tax dollars of hard working Americans. WE as a nation did that, not just our government. All the foriegn aid we send to just about every freak'n country out there is paid for by our tax dollars. That means I work every day to help people I'll never meet. I don't have a problem with this, most of the time. But when a country spits in our face it pisses me off bad. The past few months have seen a lot of that too, and yes it makes me wonder if we should continue to help. Isolationism doesn't sound to bad to me right now, only we can't just pull back right now. We have to take care of the people who want us dead first. When this whole mess is over I hope that maybe our leaders (LOL) will take a serious look at isolationism again. We don't need the B/S that everybody seems to love to give us. We have enough of our own resources to take care of ourselves...
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I would imagine that the EU could live on without france as easily as NATO can....