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Obama, Sarko Oppose Nuclear Iran, New Israeli Settlements

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 6, 2009 7:36 AM CDT

(AP) – Barack Obama and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, stood together today on thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions and furthering a Mideast peace that provides for separate Israeli and Palestinian states. "We want peace. We want dialogue. We want to help them develop. But we do not want military nuclear weapons to spread," said Sarkozy of Iran, adding that he worries about "insane statements" from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Obama, in turn, reaffirmed the need for "tough diplomacy," and said he wanted to get Russia more involved on the issue. Sarkozy also agreed with Obama's call for Israel to stop building settlements in the West Bank, and said his country would take some detainees currently held at the Guantanamo Bay. The leaders met in Normandy, where they will commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Their wives—dueling style icons—were to meet separately.

President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are reflected in a mirror as they participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.
President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are reflected in a mirror as they participate in a bilateral meeting at the Prefecture in Caen, France Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Michelle Obama waves as she leaves the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Friday, June 5, 2009.
Michelle Obama waves as she leaves the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Friday, June 5, 2009.   (THIBAULT CAMUS)
Nicolas Sarkozy and US President Barack Obama wave during an arrival ceremony at the Prefecture of Caen, northwestern France, June 6, 2009.
Nicolas Sarkozy and US President Barack Obama wave during an arrival ceremony at the Prefecture of Caen, northwestern France, June 6, 2009.   (THIERRY CHESNOT)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
lindamae
Jun 7, 2009 8:20 AM CDT
Obama was invited 2 months ago. You really think he didn't know then that the Queen wasn't invited? He did not bow to her - which was not a problem since heads of state are equals and only shake hands. He did, HOWEVER, bow to the King of Saudi Arabia - as you can see on You Tube - even though Gibbs fibed about it. Gibbs fibs quite a lot. And then he just lies. It is one of Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. It is ok to lie if the lie is what you want the future truth to be. Brainwashing.
justme
Jun 6, 2009 4:20 AM CDT
I'm not being a clown when I say that I'm not overwhelmed with Obama's progress so far. Hope the French take more than a token few from Gitmo. It will be the first European assistance we get. Easy to tell the US what we are doing wrong and for Obama to apologize for it. Tougher to actually get involved in the actual solution to the problems of Gitmo, terrorism (sorry, Extremism) etc.
Newser001
Jun 6, 2009 4:19 AM CDT
Here's insight on present day détente... Obama wasn't pleased when the Queen of England wasn't invited to the 'D-Day' commemoration. He pushed for her inclusion, even up to the final days leading up to the event. France spun their posturing, relented, and then invited her at the last moment before the event. But by then, the damage was done and the Queen wouldn't have any of it. Obama, in kind, sensitive to the Queen, turned down an invitation for dinner with Sarkozy, nor a sit down with him, the other evening while he and Michelle were staying at the US Ambassador's residence, just down the road from Sarkozy's residence. The French are now furious at this dis, from Obama. It's all rather perplexing why the Queen was excluded in the first place, but at the same time, I'm rather proud of Obama for taking a stance, with regard to Her Majesty, The Queen, and France's perplexing posturing. Voilà pour la diplomatie internationale?!!

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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