- Title: FRANCE: Iraqi president urges more French support
- Date: 18th November 2009
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (NOVEMBER 17, 2009) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF PARIS TOWN HALL
- Embargoed: 3rd December 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: France
- Country: France
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA3NA9VCD77M06XNAIJRSDGLGP8
- Story Text: Iraq President Jalal Talabani urges more support from France for his country's fledgling democracy.
Iraqi president Jalal Talabani urged Paris on Tuesday (November 17) to expand its support for Iraq as he spoke to an audience at the capital's Town Hall building.
"It is enough for me to inform you that Iraq extends the hand of friendship and co-operation to you, and wishes for more help and backing from you to its people who are still facing risks and challenges from terrorists and religious extremists, without fear," he said.
"It (Iraq) has taken on the role of national reconciliation and the policy of peaceful relations with its neighbours to return itself to the international community as the power it deserves to be. In light of all this, Iraq will still need your understanding and backing. (Speaks French) Vive la France, Vive l'Irak," he added.
Talabani is the first Iraqi president to visit France. French president Nicolas Sarkozy became the first French head of state to visit Iraq in February when he sought to discuss business and amend broken ties damaged by France's refusal to endorse the U.S. military invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein from power in 2003. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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