Death of Jacques Chirac. The very late condolences of the United States

Three days after the death of the former president, Washington issued a statement to pay tribute to Jacques Chirac. Without saying anything about his opposition to the war in Iraq in 2003.

The United States paid tribute Sunday, September 29 to former French President Jacques Chirac, who died Thursday in Paris. Condolences that come well after those of other world leaders.

"Having dedicated his life to public service, former President Chirac has worked tirelessly to preserve the values ​​and ideals we share with France"said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement. The head of the American diplomacy recalled that the former French president qualified the United States of "Country that I love, admire, respect and know well" for studying and working in the early 50s.

"We will never forget that (Mr. Chirac) was the first head of state to visit the United States after the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001"Mike Pompeo added. "The United States and France have been side by side to promote democracy and peace in the world, a lasting relationship that continues today", he said.

Opposition to the war in Iraq in 2003

The US secretary did not say anything about the French president's opposition to the Iraq conflict in 2003. This refusal to participate in the Washington-led war provoked tensions between the two countries for several years.

Mike Pompeo is the first US government official to speak after the death of Jacques Chirac, in power from 1995 to 2007 and died Thursday at the age of 86 years.

The tribute of Bill Clinton

Former US President George W. Bush, the architect of the intervention in Iraq, also did not express himself, unlike his predecessor Bill Clinton, who praised on Thursday. "A bold and talented statesman".

The White House said Sunday that the US ambassador to France, Jamie McCourt, would represent his country during official ceremonies scheduled for Monday in France.

About thirty foreign heads of state and government, including Russian Vladimir Putin, are expected in Paris.

Share this article

Death of Jacques Chirac. The very late condolences of the United StatesOuest-France.fr

ENLARGE