American presidential election/European Union/competitiveness
Paris, November 7, 2012
(…)
US/OBAMA/EUROPEAN ECONOMY
Q. – Barack Obama hasn’t really shown an overwhelming interest in Europe or France…
THE MINISTER – Europe isn’t his daily concern, insofar as the United States is, after all, more interested in domestic and Asia-related issues, of course. But President Obama played a very important role at the G8 [summit] in June, when it was necessary to say economic growth is a priority. There was a desire on the part of the Americans and the Europeans, particularly the French, to say: “Of course we must have genuine budgetary discipline, but we absolutely must fuel growth.” It was extremely useful at that point, because when the United States President says something about the economy, it has an impact on the International Monetary Fund and a number of people in Europe.
Q. – To stay with this same idea about the consequences on our continent and on France: some people are getting worried and telling themselves that he [President Obama] is actually going to be more demanding now, and that a president is more demanding in a second term, for example about the Euro Area’s stability and about economic and political cooperation!
THE MINISTER – On growth, I think he’ll stick to the same approach. I’m going to have a telephone conversation with Hillary Clinton just after your programme, to take stock of different subjects. I think President Obama’s line will be maintained: a strong, stable Europe capable of creating growth and, at the same time, serious about budgetary discipline.
US/SYRIA/IRAN/MIDDLE EAST/MALI
There’s going to be an impact elsewhere, particularly on a whole series of crises where American policy has been on hold in the past few weeks. I’m thinking about Syria and the Iran and Israeli-Palestinian issues. I’m also thinking about terrorism in the Sahel region. On all these points, I think and hope America will be able to make a stronger commitment.
Q. – For example, on an operation in Mali, do you get the feeling America will perhaps get more involved?
THE MINISTER – We’re in step with the Americans. At France’s proposal, we all adopted a resolution at the United Nations a few weeks ago. The Americans are determined to combat terrorism! It’s the number one problem in Mali. I don’t foresee any difficulties on this issue.
Q. – On the Iran issue, Tehran must be prevented from building a nuclear weapon. On the Syria issue, there are things to be done. On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – very important, even though it’s not being talked about much at the moment – a point must be reached where the Palestinians’ rights are recognized. (…)./.