Bush says he was 'never angry with the French'

1.00pm

PARIS - President George W. Bush said he was never angry with France over its refusal to back the United States-led war in Iraq, as both countries sought to play down past tensions ahead of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

"I was never angry with the French. France is a long-term ally," Bush told the weekly Paris Match in an interview due to be published on Thursday.

Bush is among 17 heads of state scheduled to attend the commemorations in Normandy on June 6.

Like French President Jacques Chirac, Bush said there was never any falling out between the US and France, which led opposition to the war that ousted Saddam Hussein.

"Listen, I made a difficult decision and not everybody agreed with that decision. But I understand that," he said in remarks printed in French and translated by Reuters.

"Jacques told me clearly. He did not think the use of force was necessary. We debated it as friends."

Chirac on Thursday also denied relations between himself and Bush had ever disintegrated or been affected by their disagreement over the Iraqi conflict.

"I was never angry with him and I never had the feeling that he was angry with me. We had a disagreement of views and that's normal," Chirac said.

Bilateral ties were severely strained last year when Chirac vowed to veto any US-backed United Nations resolution authorising an attack on Iraq and rallied German and Russian opposition to America's plans.

Reconciliation has not been easy. Bush shook hands with Chirac stiffly at a Group of Eight summit in France one year ago and left the gathering a day early.

France has also been critical of the US handling of the post-war situation in oil-rich Iraq, calling for sovereignty to be handed over swiftly to an Iraqi interim government.

Bush said he understood that the presence of a US-led multinational force in Iraq was a burden to many Iraqi people.

Asked if it was correct to say that not everyone who opposed US occupation was a "terrorist", Bush said: "I agree. They are not all terrorists."

"The kamikazes are, but other fighters are not. They can't stand to be occupied. Neither I nor anyone else would like it if we were in their place. That is why we are giving them back their sovereignty," he was quoted as saying by Paris Match.

The US and Britain on Tuesday submitted a second draft UN resolution giving Iraq considerable authority over its security and economy after the planned handover on June 30.

Chirac said on Wednesday the new draft resolution was a good basis for discussion but needed some improvements.

Despite their continued differences, both sides have made efforts to focus on issues where they can co-operate.

Bush, who barred Chirac from his ranch in Texas last year, even indicated he was now ready to host the French leader.

"If he wants to come and see some cows, he is welcome. He can come and see some cows," he said.

- REUTERS

Herald Feature: Iraq