Chirac and Blair paper over differences on Iraq

Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac buried their differences over the war in Iraq at a lavish but informal dinner in Paris.

“Whatever differences there have been over Iraq, I have no doubt at all that it is vitally important for the future of both our countries, and for the future of Europe, that Britain and France work closely together,” Mr Blair said.

Mr Blair assured Mr Chirac of Britain’s commitment to the EU despite the announcement on Monday the the UK was not yet ready for the euro.

“Britain’s future lies in full-hearted membership in the EU,” he said.

The tete-a-tete at the presidential Elysee Palace was the first bilateral encounter between the two leaders since the February 4 French-British summit at the seaside resort of Le Touquet, in north west France.

Mr Chirac refused to cave in to intense pressure from Mr Blair at the Touquet meeting to join the coalition preparing for swift military action in Iraq. France led nations opposed to the war and seeking more time for UN inspectors trying to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

Mr Chirac and Mr Blair have since made clear their wish for an “entente cordiale” so they can bury the hatchet and move ahead. Last month, the French President even sent Mr Blair a case of fine wine for his 50th birthday.

Yesterday, they washed down their dinner with Champagne, Chevalier-Montrachet 1997 and a 1986 Chateau Margaux.

While burning international issues were programmed into discussions, the Middle East took on a new dimension with the upsurge in violence there yesterday.

The two leader joined in denouncing their “horror” at the Palestinian suicide bombing on a Jerusalem bus that killed 16 people. They said the peace plan known as the road map must be followed.

No mention was made of the Israeli riposte that left nine people dead.

The EU was high on the agenda for Mr Chirac and Mr Blair, meeting 10 days before the June 20-21 intergovernmental conference in Greece to prepare the future EU Constitution.

Mr Chirac said the two men had a “convergence of views” on the latest proposals and that their new “entente” would serve their countries well in future decision-making.

“We are two nations with long traditions and history,” Mr Blair said. “But I’m sure that what brings us together and unites us is far greater than anything that may divide us from time to time.”