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G8 Summit press briefing given by M. Nicolas SARKOZY, President of the Republic, following his meeting with Mr George W. BUSH, President of the United States of America

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Heiligendamm, 8 June 2007

KOSOVO

Q. – Did you talk about Kosovo yesterday evening? Do you know if proposals were made, notably on the one you made?

THE PRESIDENT – I've just come from a meeting with President Bush, who was slightly indisposed this morning, and who will join the working session as soon as he can. That didn't stop us from having a very broad tour d'horizon on the entire international situation – Lebanon, Afghanistan, all the current issues.

The sherpas and political affairs directors worked part of the night on Kosovo. For now, the necessary progress hasn't been made. Let me remind you that in my proposal, the question I raised as the main element was the recognition of the ineluctable nature, in the end, of Kosovo's independence. No doubt we'll talk about it again this morning.

Q. – Is there still the threat of a Russian veto?

THE PRESIDENT – I think you could say that. On the resolution, not on what I said.

Q. – You mean that Mr Putin isn't yet ready to recognize this ineluctable prospect of independence?

THE PRESIDENT – It means we heard different things from Mr Putin at the session and from his political director last night.

FRANCE/US

Q. – With President Bush, is there a key issue you want France and the United States to work on, on a priority basis?

THE PRESIDENT – No, there isn't a key issue. All the issues are extremely important. In the area of terrorism, we're friends and allies, because all democracies are being challenged.

On Lebanon, you know perfectly well that the French and US policies have always been very close.

On Iran, the need for unity within the international community naturally involves unity with the United States, but also with Russia.

There was a great commonality of views on all the issues we surveyed. With respect to trade negotiations, I indicated to the United States' president that I intended to defend the interests of our economy and our farmers with the same vigour that he himself defends the interests of US farmers and businesses. I also indicated that we couldn't expect anything but firmness in the defence of our respective interests.

Q. – How did he answer?

THE PRESIDENT – That he could understand that I was doing the same things that the Americans do. What I also said, to President Barroso as well, was that I understood the overtures and the need to reach an agreement, but that this agreement couldn't be to the detriment of some and to the advantage of others. It isn't possible. I demand reciprocity and the end of naivety.

(···)

Q. – On the personal level, how did your meeting go?

THE PRESIDENT – Very well. I was very touched by the fact that, despite his slight indisposition, President Bush was determined to have this meeting. A long working meeting is never pleasant when you're a little indisposed.

Q. – Are there plans to visit the United States in September, during the General Assembly? An official visit?

THE PRESIDENT – President Bush invited me to the United States and of course I responded positively. What I will try to do is to combine the visit to New York and the visit to Washington, at the end of September.

ANTIMISSILE SHIELD

Q. – Did you talk about the anti-missile shield and the Soviet counter-proposal?

THE PRESIDENT – Yes, we did.

Q. – Did you suggest to Mr Bush that there be a sort of French-Russian assessment? Did you make a proposal?

THE PRESIDENT – Mr Bush's response was, "That's interesting, let's take a more detailed look at the technical conditions of this proposal.” There was a great deal of harmony between the response of the American president to President Putin, and the proposal I made to try and understand. Everything must be done to avoid a return to the Cold War climate. Frankly, it's absolutely necessary.

LEBANON

Q. – What's the conclusion on Lebanon?

THE PRESIDENT – We're going to continue to work together.

Q. – When Mr Bush says, "that's interesting," is he talking about Mr Putin's proposal?

THE PRESIDENT – Of course. I didn't make any proposals other than expanding contacts between military experts to understand what it's all about.

Thank you, and have a good day.

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