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September 29, 2006 > News > French ambassador Levitte discusses Middle East policy, recent improvement in US-French relations

French ambassador Levitte discusses Middle East policy, recent improvement in US-French relations

By Becky Thilo | For the Thresher

Working in concert, the United States and France can make a difference in the world, French Ambassador to the United States Jean-David Levitte said Wednesday in a talk sponsored by the Baker Institute.

In a discussion entitled, “The Evolving French American Relationship and the Role of France in the Middle East,” Levitte answered questions from moderator Edward Djerejian, director of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Syria.

Djerejian began by questioning Levitte about his impression of the bilateral relationship between France and the United States, especially given the countries’ disagreement over the war in Iraq.

Levitte compared his May 2003 Rice visit to his current visit and pointed to a significant difference in the level of police protection. His disproportionately high number of escorts three years ago indicated heightened tension between France and the United States. Since President Bush’s first meeting with the European Council in February 2005, the French-American relationship has improved, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been a key player in the relationship, Levitte said.

Levitte declined to say whether he thought the war in Iraq is necessary, and instead said he would prefer to let historians answer that question. He then turned the discussion toward the Middle East, focusing on the Israel-Lebanon conflict and the nuclear problem in Iran.

“We are making progress [in Lebanon],” Levitte said. “Together we are getting out of this tragedy and working toward resolution.”

Djerejian asked a question about the potential outcomes of the situation between Israel and the Shiite militia group Hezbollah. Levitte replied that the war between the nations was a disaster for both sides — that both are only losers. He said he has faith in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which is aimed at ending the conflict in Lebanon through the enforcement of an arms-free buffer zone.

“The history of U.S. and French troops in Lebanon is replete with tragedy,” Djerejian said. “This is a tragic history we share.”

Djerejian asked Levitte to share his thoughts on the peace-negotiating efforts of the Quartet — the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia — in the Middle East.

“There are moments of great hope and great confidence,” Levitte said, “But these moments have been replaced by misunderstanding, defiance and despair. It’s time to start rebuilding confidence, he said, and the Quartet should play a key role.”

Djerejian asked what the relationship between France and Iran would be in the future.

Levitte alluded to a meeting that had taken place earlier that day, but he did not comment on the details. He said it is a tricky situation, but negotiators are making some progress. He expressed hope that soon, for the first time since 1979, American and Iranian negotiators could sit at the same table.

“It’s always better to have a good accord than sanctions,” Levitte said.

In his final question, Djerejian commented on the upcoming French presidential election. He jokingly asked about the Socialist candidate named “Royal,” which refers to French Socialist Party member Marie Segolene Royal, a top candidate.

France must have lingering regrets over the French Revolution, Levitte lightheartedly replied before discussing the complexity of primary elections in France.

“We are slowly adopting the U.S. style … but the French — we have a political landscape that is quite sophisticated,” he said.

When discussion was opened to audience questions, an audience member asked how France relates to Bush’s conclusion that Hezbollah is part of the War on Terror.

Levitte expressed his hope that Hezbollah will follow the path that the other militia followed. He favored the group’s integration into the government in the form of a political party instead of its disbanding.

“Hand in hand we will fight against terrorism; it’s the scourge of the 21st century,” he said.

The next audience question addressed Zacarias Moussaoui, who was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the 9/11 attacks. Specifically, Levitte was asked to comment on Moussaoui’s defense that he became mentally diminished after suffering racial discrimination in France.

The problem was how to protect Moussaoui from himself, Levitte said. He said he admired Moussaoui’s lawyers and was glad the conspirator could get a fair trial in the United States’ judicial system.

After the question and answer period ended, the event moved into Dore Commons for an award presentation. Martel College sophomore Katy Miller said she would have liked to hear more discussion.

“I wish there had been more time for questions from the audience because the topic was so broad,” Miller said. “Race riots in Paris, the situation in Iraq now — I am confident that he has lots more to say about those things.”

French Professor Deborah Nelson-Campbell said she enjoyed the polite banter between Levitte and Djerejian. She said she loved to hear the ambassadors at work — the way they dance with such polite ceremony.

The ceremony continued as Levitte bestowed the honor of Commandeur de l’Ordre National du Merite on President David Leebron. After Levitte praised Rice as one of the best, if not the best university in the United States, he explained Leebron’s award.

“It is simply because you are a great American,” Levitte said. “It is simply because you are an outstanding lawyer. It is simply because you are the leader of a great American university. Your vision and ambition for you and Rice make you a true citizen of the world.”

After the medal was placed around his neck, Leebron accepted the honor with remarks in French and English.

“I think this is the first time I’ve had something nicer around my neck than my wife has had around hers,” Leebron remarked.

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