Anti-Americanism 'unacceptable': French premier

The French prime minister today told MPs that displays of anti-Americanism during protests against the war in Iraq were “unacceptable”.

The government should also be on guard against any signs of racism, anti-Semitism or xenophobia in the demonstrations, Jean-Pierre Raffarin was quoted as saying by spokesman Jean-Francois Cope.

France has made a string of comments in recent days to attempt to smooth relations with the United States, which have been tense for months over Paris’ high-profile opposition to military action in Iraq.

Raffarin said yesterday that despite that opposition, France is not an enemy of the US.

Last week, the Foreign Ministry issued a special statement saying Paris hoped US-led forces would win the war.

“It is indispensable to be vigilant against all displays of anti-Americanism, which would be unacceptable,” Cope quoted Raffarin as telling MPs today.