Jean-Pierre Raffarin

We would like UN resolutions to be enforced, including on Iraq.

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 Europe we are in the process of building is the Europe of the 21st century; it's not the Europe of the 20th century.

I am a believer, but I affirm that in public buildings the law of the Republic overrides religious rules.

Obviously, there is diversity, but Europe is a union of diversity.

It's important to show that, while authorizing the demonstrations and promoting diversity of opinion, the Republic can't allow itself to be undermined from within.

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

What's very important is that we build a space that matters in the world, one that operates according to democratic rules, and that small and large countries enjoy a good relationship.

France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete.

This constitution recognises the need for social dialogue involving labour and management; it involves trade unions in the decision-making process; it has a social vision founded on social dialogue.

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

We feel an enormous sense of gratitude towards the American people.