France's new foreign minister pledged in comments published on Monday to press on with recent efforts to improve relations with the United States after the chill caused by the Iraq war. In a wide-ranging interview with Le Figaro newspaper, Philippe Douste-Blazy signalled no major change in foreign policy following his appointment on June 3, despite French voters' rejection of the European Union constitution on May 29.
Relations with Washington became strained when Dominique de Villepin, who is now France's prime minister, led opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. But ties began improving under Douste-Blazy's predecessor, Michel Barnier.
"I will go to the United States soon to voice the friendship that unites our two people and to discuss all the things we are doing and can do together," Douste-Blazy told Le Figaro. He gave no date for the visit.
"I want to pursue the constructive work of my predecessors and to maintain regular dialogue which does not rule out frankness."
Echoing language used by Barnier when he was foreign minister, he said good co-operation with the United States did not mean Washington and Paris had to agree on everything.
"Our relationship of friendship with the United States is deep and old. But this friendship does not mean subordination," he said. "Because we share the same values we can allow ourselves to have ideas of the world that sometimes differ."
Douste-Blazy's clearest remarks on relations with the United States since he took office underlined continuity and appeared designed to comfort Washington, although no big changes had been expected because President Jacques Chirac shapes foreign policy.
Douste-Blazy said France's close partnership with Germany remained a key pillar of policy after French and Dutch voters' rejection of the EU constitution, intended to help the bloc run smoothly following its enlargement to 25 member states.
France has said other countries should continue the process of ratifying the EU constitution, but Douste-Blazy said Paris would not try to dictate terms to others.
"Each member state must be able to carry out its procedure as it sees fit," he said.