French Deliver Tsunami Aid With Panache

[Bluezoo]

French Deliver Tsunami Aid With Panache

By MICHAEL CASEY, Associated Press Writer

ABOARD JEANNE D'ARC - The naval ship's pantry is stocked with wines, baguettes and pate, and its casual dress code is shorts and sandals. There's even an artist — a painter to keep an illustrated record of the trip. With a panache all its own, France's military is delivering aid to tsunami-battered Indonesia — and showing how a small force can make a difference.

A month after killer waves struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the French are part of an international relief operation that includes forces from more than a dozen nations, including Japan, Russia and Switzerland.

The 1,000 or so French sailors and soldiers arrived in Aceh province on the island's northern tip two weeks ago. Their 11 helicopters and two C-160 cargo planes are airlifting rice and tents to isolated villages devastated by the Dec. 26 earthquake-generated waves, which killed at least 145,000 people in Asia and Africa.

Foreign Legionnaires are clearing debris left by the waves, rebuilding schools in Maleuboh and occasionally extinguishing fires that flare.

French doctors are treating the sick and vaccinating as many as 10,000 Acehnese children against measles. Many of those children had never been immunized against disease.

"The children are smiling again. This is a good sign," said Maj. Francois Masse, a veteran pilot of French relief work in Bosnia, Kosovo and Chad.

Although media attention has focused on the U.S. contribution, particularly by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its battle group, aid officials say the French and other forces are playing an equally important role.

"(The French) increase our capacity to move loads into some areas where roads have yet to be reconstructed. Trucks cannot reach these areas," said Daniel Augstburger, head of the U.N.'s relief work on Sumatra's western coast.

That responsibility likely will increase once the Americans leave with their three dozen helicopters.

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"

Vice Adm. Rolin Xavier, who heads the French military effort, dubbed Operation Beryx, said, "We are not in the shadow of the Americans but we work alongside them."

Critics of the U.S. military's work in Indonesia say Washington has seized on the disaster as a pretext for advancing its strategic interests in the archipelago and improving ties with the Indonesian military.

Those ties effectively were cut in 1999 after Indonesian troops and their proxy militias killed 1,500 East Timorese after the half-island territory voted for independence in a U.N.-sponsored independence referendum.

During her recent Senate confirmation hearings, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) said the tsunami provided a "wonderful opportunity" for the United States to reap "great dividends" in the region.

The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln's strike force has been viewed in some quarters as an effort not only to help survivors, but also to burnish America's image among Islamic communities worldwide by delivering aid to the largest Muslim country in the world.

The French maintain they do not have strategic interests in the region.

The contrast with U.S. forces does not end there. The U.S. military bans alcohol aboard naval vessels and sailors generally wear casual clothes only in their quarters.

But French sailors aboard the Jeanne D'Arc pick from wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks, and their ready-made meals come with pate. On deck, they sunbathe in the muggy heat in shorts and sandals.

However, what really sets the French apart is the paunchy, bearded civilian riding a sloop to the shore. He is artist Michel Bellion, appointed to paint the French military in action in his trademark bold strokes and bright colors.

"I'm here to show the drama," said Bellion, pulling out a sketch book as he accompanied a team of doctors vaccinating children. "For me, it's hell. That is what I want to show. I'm not looking to make it beautiful. I'm trying to show the emotion."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/20050130/ap_on_re_as/tsunami_french_panache

[Uncle Chô]

Double post - sorry :oops:

[Uncle Chô]

One should know that "La Jeanne d'Arc" (Joan of Arch) helicopter carrier is not a front line warship but a school ship.

It was on it's yearly world round trip with freshly graduated young officers aboard. The helo pad and its small fleet of helicopters made it the ideal command ship for the rescue operations.

It is true that the ship's cruise is always considered as a "showcase" for the "old" nostalgic France traditions with official parties in every foreign harbour.

The life aboard "real" warship is much less romantic that described here ;)

Another biased article that -once again- tries to oppose USA vs France. :cantbeli:

Every single foreign country from it's own military to the smallest NGO was "showing the flag", every single box was carefully labelled with the domestic flag sticker and / or the mention : Gift from XXX"...

It is not only the matter of France or the USA.

[eighty2]

The French maintain they do not have strategic interests in the region.

yeah, right...

[priccobe]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"
My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!! Can't miss a chance to bash the US can we? I'd suggest getting the painter to help on shore and cancel all they sunbathing they're doing on ship...

[roland]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"
My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!! Can't miss a chance to bash the US can we? I'd suggest getting the painter to help on shore and cancel all they sunbathing they're doing on ship...

can't it come to your mind that it is the way this American journalist sees it ? isn't it obvious that your crapy media do everything they can to oppose France and USA on everything ? :-*$
Now listen: you are a journalist and you wan to say something. So you ask one person, the person didn't say what you want to say. So you ask another one. And so on until you find somebody, like Anne Cullerre who says:


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
Then you write it on your crapy media, and people think:


My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!!

man, think !

Edit: deleted: useless offense. :oops:

[Abolith]

hey man we are america! damned if we rush in to help and damed if we take our sweet time or do nothing.


remeber class it is ALWAYS america's fault. No matter what the problem is blame america, got it?

[roland]

hey man we are america! damned if we rush in to help and damed if we take our sweet time or do nothing.


remeber class it is ALWAYS america's fault. No matter what the problem is blame america, got it?

I don't know if you're jocking or not but at least that is how a lot of American people think and this paranoia is fueled by this kind of .. well "journalists" that wrote this article and probably did a big effort and at last found a reason to oppose France and USA. Good job :roll:

[Bluezoo]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"
My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!! Can't miss a chance to bash the US can we? I'd suggest getting the painter to help on shore and cancel all they sunbathing they're doing on ship...

can't it come to your mind that it is the way this American journalist sees it ? isn't it obvious that your crapy media do everything they can to oppose France and USA on everything ? :-*$
Now listen: you are a journalist and you wan to say something. So you ask one person, the person didn't say what you want to say. So you ask another one. And so on until you find somebody, like Anne Cullerre who says:


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
Then you write it on your crapy media, and people think:


My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!!

man, think !

Edit: deleted: useless offense. :oops:

Your so called "American journalist" is a scribe. Don't shoot the messenger, Roland. ;) READ. Cmdr. Anne Cullerre was quoted saying this to wit:

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous."

Now you continue by alleging that:

"... your crapy media do everything they can to oppose France and USA on everything ?
Now listen: you are a journalist and you wan to say something. So you ask one person, the person didn't say what you want to say. So you ask another one. And so on until you find somebody, like Anne Cullerre..."

Well, how do you know? Were you there in the interview? The fact is, this commander uttered these words and if you do not like them, then the "injury" is a product of your misplaced pride and is self-inflicted. Blame Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. Dude, you are barking at the wrong tree. ;)

[roland]

^^^^ you're naive.

[roland]

If you search well, you can always find somebody that says what you want to publish. If you search well, but very well, you can even find a retard in France that think Bush is NOT a liar and make an article about this you know ? p-)

[Bluezoo]

^^^^ you're naive.

Lets stick to the FACTS. I have two (2) questions:

1. Do you deny that this statement was ever made by Cmdr. Anne Cullerre?

2. Do you deny the fact that the French flotilla spokeswoman is Cmdr. Anne Cullerre?

[Bluezoo]

If you search well, you can always find somebody that says what you want to publish. If you search well, but very well, you can even find a retard in France that think Bush is NOT a liar and make an article about this you know ? p-)

Ok, then stop complaining and contribute by posting these for us to read and appreciate. ;)

[roland]

Ok, I must admit I didn't noticed Anne Cullerre was the spokeswoman of the French flotilla there.
Anyway I did a google search and NO French speaking report quotes this sentence


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
and ALL the english speaking articles that quote it took it from the same Associated Press article.
If, it is true (big if, I don't trust American media, AT ALL), i'm sure she is going to be blamed and it is ridiculous to make some conclusion about it.
But, sure, if you look for troubles, you always find them ......

[usa320]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"


For the third time today, Damned if you do, damned if you dont.


These are the same people that were bitching our 350 million dollars wasnt enough, now us being there to help is too much. No matter what America does, its wrong in the eyes of these buffoons.

These are probably the same nutters that had been protesting against elections in Iraq, just because it would mean a success for America.


Well guess what? WEEP EM MAN, ITS AMERICA. **** YEAH!

[priccobe]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"
My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!! Can't miss a chance to bash the US can we? I'd suggest getting the painter to help on shore and cancel all they sunbathing they're doing on ship...

can't it come to your mind that it is the way this American journalist sees it ? isn't it obvious that your crapy media do everything they can to oppose France and USA on everything ? :-*$
Now listen: you are a journalist and you wan to say something. So you ask one person, the person didn't say what you want to say. So you ask another one. And so on until you find somebody, like Anne Cullerre who says:


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
Then you write it on your crapy media, and people think:


My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!!

man, think !

How about this: The next time you start complaining? Do me a favor and actually READ the article first...

[roland]

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"
My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!! Can't miss a chance to bash the US can we? I'd suggest getting the painter to help on shore and cancel all they sunbathing they're doing on ship...

can't it come to your mind that it is the way this American journalist sees it ? isn't it obvious that your crapy media do everything they can to oppose France and USA on everything ? :-*$
Now listen: you are a journalist and you wan to say something. So you ask one person, the person didn't say what you want to say. So you ask another one. And so on until you find somebody, like Anne Cullerre who says:


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
Then you write it on your crapy media, and people think:


My God, what a pathetic bunch of WANKERS!!!

man, think !

How about this: The next time you start complaining? Do me a favor and actually READ the article first...

complaining me ? I thought that was you, crying all the time. And yes I've read the article, twice, and it is still the same piece of crap made to wet the old ladies.
Even me I can do better so read what I've said and don't forget to think!

[Michael RVR]

During her recent Senate confirmation hearings, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) said the tsunami provided a "wonderful opportunity" for the United States to reap "great dividends" in the region.


I'd be more looking at this section, personally.
;)

Now you could quite easily see the jump between giving aid, and an attempt to buy friends. If you were that way inclined. p-)

[Bluezoo]

Ok, I must admit I didn't noticed Anne Cullerre was the spokeswoman of the French flotilla there.
Anyway I did a google search and NO French speaking report quotes this sentence


"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.
and ALL the english speaking articles that quote it took it from the same Associated Press article.
If, it is true (big if, I don't trust American media, AT ALL), i'm sure she is going to be blamed and it is ridiculous to make some conclusion about it.
But, sure, if you look for troubles, you always find them ......

Hey Dude, your so called "American media" is THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. FYI, it can back its news with this credential:

Facts
Founded in 1848, The Associated Press is the backbone of the world's information system serving thousands of daily newspaper, radio, television and online customers with coverage in all media and news in all formats. It is the largest and oldest news organization in the world, serving as a source of news, photos, graphics, audio and video for more than one billion people a day.

AP's mission is to be the essential global news network, providing distinctive news services of the highest quality, reliability and objectivity with reports that are accurate, balanced and informed. AP operates as a not-for-profit cooperative with 3,700 employees working in more than 240 worldwide bureaus.

AP supplies a steady stream of news around the clock to its domestic members, international subscribers and commercial customers. It has the industry's most sophisticated digital photo network, a 24-hour continuously updated online news service, a state-of-the-art television news service and one of the largest radio networks in the United States. It also has a commercial digital photo archive, a photo library housing more than 10 million images and provides advertising management services.

The Associated Press has received 47 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news organization in the categories for which it can compete. It has 28 photo Pulitzers, the most of any news organization.

Figures
242 total bureaus worldwide

1,700 U.S. daily, weekly, non-English and college newspapers

5,000 radio/TV outlets taking AP

1000 AP Radio Network affiliates taking AP Network News

55 taking AP All News Radio, AP's 24-hour news radio network.

330 International broadcasters who receive AP's global video news service, APTN, and SNTV, a sports joint venture video service.

8,500 International subscribers who receive AP news and photos

121 number of countries served by AP

5 languages, including English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish. The report is translated into many more languages by international subscribers.

3,700 AP editorial, communications and administrative employees worldwide

http://www.ap.org/pages/about/about.html

Now, can you put up a more reliable news or media company at par with AP that would make their story false? Otherwise, you contention will not hold water, dude. ;)

[roland]

Hey Dude, your so called "American media" is THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. FYI, it can back its news with this credential:

Facts
Founded in 1848, The Associated Press is the backbone of the world's information system serving thousands of daily newspaper, radio, television and online customers with coverage in all media and news in all formats. It is the largest and oldest news organization in the world, serving as a source of news, photos, graphics, audio and video for more than one billion people a day.

AP's mission is to be the essential global news network, providing distinctive news services of the highest quality, reliability and objectivity with reports that are accurate, balanced and informed. AP operates as a not-for-profit cooperative with 3,700 employees working in more than 240 worldwide bureaus.

AP supplies a steady stream of news around the clock to its domestic members, international subscribers and commercial customers. It has the industry's most sophisticated digital photo network, a 24-hour continuously updated online news service, a state-of-the-art television news service and one of the largest radio networks in the United States. It also has a commercial digital photo archive, a photo library housing more than 10 million images and provides advertising management services.

The Associated Press has received 47 Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other news organization in the categories for which it can compete. It has 28 photo Pulitzers, the most of any news organization.

Figures
242 total bureaus worldwide

1,700 U.S. daily, weekly, non-English and college newspapers

5,000 radio/TV outlets taking AP

1000 AP Radio Network affiliates taking AP Network News

55 taking AP All News Radio, AP's 24-hour news radio network.

330 International broadcasters who receive AP's global video news service, APTN, and SNTV, a sports joint venture video service.

8,500 International subscribers who receive AP news and photos

121 number of countries served by AP

5 languages, including English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish. The report is translated into many more languages by international subscribers.

3,700 AP editorial, communications and administrative employees worldwide

http://www.ap.org/pages/about/about.html

Now, can you put up a more reliable news or media company at par with AP that would make their story false? Otherwise, you contention will not hold water, dude. ;)

Wow !
Now I'm very impressed.
I'm glad you speak of Associated Press, because there was something that disturbed me for some tome, it is this story released by AP that says the US or Polish army found French Roland missiles in Iraq:

In April 7, 2003

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2003/04/07/international1027EDT0586.DTL


100 Iraqis reported killed in clash at Baghdad airport

- KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press Writer
Monday, April 7, 2003

(04-07) 07:56 PDT OUTSKIRTS OF BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) --

U.S. forces fended off attacks by Iraqi fighters roaming the edges of Baghdad's airport in a seven-hour battle, then crushed similar but sporadic raids Monday. U.S. commanders estimated that 150 Iraqis were killed, but there were no U.S. casualties.

The fighting began hours after a giant C-130 transport plane landed -- the first known arrival of a U.S. plane in the Iraqi capital since the airport fell into American hands last week.

Inside a VIP building, the troops found a hideaway believed to have been used by President Saddam Hussein. It features a rose garden, a hand-carved mahogany door, gold-plated bathroom fixtures and an office with a false door that leads to the basement, where soldiers found weapons.

The battle between members of the Army's 101st Airborne Division and uniformed Iraqi soldiers began just before sundown Sunday, with probing attacks from the Iraqis at the perimeter of the 13-square-mile airport.

The Americans called in artillery and airstrikes. A bomb aimed at a crane at a palace near the airport missed its target but knocked off a sniper and damaged the palace.

That initial battle ended around 1 a.m. Monday, but Iraqi soldiers -- shooting mortars and direct fire -- tried to breach the perimeter of the airport six more times through the night, according to Lt. Col. Lee Fetterman, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne.

All of that fighting raged within 1,000 yards, but some Iraqis got as close as 200 yards to U.S. troops. American commanders called in the Air Force to bomb two Iraqi military compounds near the airport, then used TOW missiles to take out three observation towers where Iraqis had been directing the attacks.

The airport, captured in an all-night battle last week, is expected to be a major resupply base for American forces and a key to channeling aid to Iraqi civilians. It offers critical landing strips that will let the military hopscotch over the 350-mile supply line that stretches from the capital to U.S. bases in Kuwait.

Troops of the 101st fortified their position at the airport Sunday, digging trenches and bulldozing sand berms. Two weapons caches -- including one with 12 crates of shoulder-fired missiles -- were found just outside the airport grounds. Troops also found 35 French-made Roland surface-to-air missiles in the airport complex.

"It's fine right now," Staff Sgt. Jeremy Reed, 29, of Dothan, Ala., said as blasts of artillery fire whizzed overhead. "We know who's shooting at who."


Of course France denied it and what I find strange is that even a professional company like AP didn't reported it or apologize.

Again, in October 04, 2003:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/org/news/2003/031004-missile1.htm


Associated Press October 04, 2003

Polish troops south of Baghdad find four French-made surface to air missiles

By STEVEN R. HURST

Polish troops discovered French-made anti-aircraft missiles in Iraq, a U.S. military source said Saturday. France swiftly denied selling any weapons to Iraq in violation of a U.N. arms embargo.

Iraqi newspapers said the four Roland surface-to-air missiles were made this year, though France said it stopped producing any type of Roland missile in 1993.

The allegations "are as false today as they were yesterday," French President Jacques Chirac said, speaking in Rome at a meeting of European Union leaders.

The U.S. source, who asked not to be identified, said the Iraqi report was impossible to confirm because a Polish weapons team had destroyed the missiles after it discovered them days ago. The source also said it was difficult to contact the Poles because of communications problems.

The French Foreign Ministry emphasized that France has not authorized the sale of weapons, or even spare parts, to Iraq since after July 1990. The United Nations imposed sanctions on weapons sales to Iraq after Saddam Hussein's 1990 invasion of Kuwait.

Also, France stopped making Roland 2s in 1988 and Roland 3s in 1993, the ministry said.

"There can be no 2003 missiles since these missiles have not been made for 15 years," Chirac said. "Polish soldiers confused things. I told Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller so frankly - friendly but firmly."

Officials at the Polish Defense Ministry declined to comment Saturday. But a statement on a ministry Web site said: "Soldiers of a Polish patrol of sappers found four modern anti-aircraft short-distance Roland-type rockets near Hilla in Iraq."

The statement did not identify the country or date of manufacture and said Polish military engineers destroyed them on Wednesday.

It said Polish troops seized about a dozen missiles in total near Hilla on Tuesday, including Soviet-made Malutka, French Hot and French-German Milan missiles.

The coalition official said the Roland missiles are about 25 feet long, radar-guided and launched from the back of a truck.

The U.S. military found 35 Roland missiles when it captured Baghdad International Airport in April. Roland missiles also were found when Australian troops captured an airfield in western Iraq.

The Web site GlobalSecurity.org says the Roland weapon system is intended for anti-aircraft defense of armored and mechanized the units to counter aircraft flying to nearly at 1 1/2 times the speed of sound or hovering helicopters.

The United States stopped producing the Roland-type weapon in 1981.


That is still Associated Press okay ?
This time they say in the article that France denied it. But see the title ?
See the way it is presented ? of course any "patriot" is going to believe this crap.
Now what is also strange is that AP still didn't reported things like that:
http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/di/Qiraq-france-poland.RQ0u_DO4.html
Poland calms waters with France over Iraq missile claims
or
http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/ch/Qiraq-france-poland.RCnH_DOE.html
Polish spokesman blamed for Iraq missile claims
or
http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/am/Qpoland-france-iraq.RGW1_DO4.html
Poland regrets allegations of French missiles in Iraq

How do you explain that ? is it possible AP became as crap as the rest of your media after all ?

[Bluezoo]

This is collateral to this issue, but will try to answer your post. The point is, the were there but the Polish Defense Minister did not elaborate further to wit:

WARSAW, Oct 4 (AFP) - Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said Saturday he regretted a statement by his spokesman that Polish soldiers in Iraq had found several French missiles made this year, which provoked a strong denial from France.

Szmajdzinski said he "deplored the indications concerning the date the missiles were produced," but did not formally deny the missile find.

"All information from the ministry spokesman concerning the seizure of Roland missiles, as well as the information by the media relative to this affair were neither approved by the ministry nor by the chief of staff of the Polish military," he said in a statement.

Now, why was this so? Who knows, politics? To save the face of both sides? At this point, it will be conjecture. BUT, AP was still accurate in reporting that there were Roland missiles found.

Now, lets get back to the point. I asked you these simple questions:

"Lets stick to the FACTS. I have two (2) questions:

1. Do you deny that this statement was ever made by Cmdr. Anne Cullerre?

2. Do you deny the fact that the French flotilla spokeswoman is Cmdr. Anne Cullerre?"

And your answer is: "Ok, I must admit I didn't noticed Anne Cullerre was the spokeswoman of the French flotilla there."

Would I take this as an affirmative answer? YES or NO?

By analogy, the rules of agency binds France because this commander issued the statement as the spokeswoman of the flotilla. Ergo, her statement was done in her official capacity.

Because as far as I see it, there are NO "strong denial from France". Then this news must be representative of the French position? ;)

Now, I understand why USA320 said "For the third time today, Damned if you do" (meaning USA helping in the relief effort), "damned if you dont" (if America does not pledge enough aid).

Oh, by the way, your AFP, by the same token in your arguement, is not that "partial" as in:

"State is very much present at the heart of the AFP, especially in the administration of the agency. On the Administrative Council there are three representatives of public services that make use of the AFP. These representatives are named by the Prime minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance respectively. Of the eight members of the executive board, there is one member of the Council of State, a magistrate from the Court of Appeals and two persons "having represented France abroad." Finally, it is widely known that the nominating process for the Chief Executive office of the AFP requires the assent of the highest authorities in the land. This nomination is the subject of lengthy negotiation.

The State is also present thanks to the very numerous subscriptions held for administrative accounts (ministries, embassies, commissions, large public agencies…). In the 1980s, these subscriptions represented 60% of the Agency's business. In 2000, this proportion was reduced to 40%. The single largest client of the AFP remains the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs..." http://watch.windsofchange.net/themes_33.htm#firm ;)

[roland]

This is collateral to this issue, but will try to answer your post. The point is, the were there but the Polish Defense Minister did not elaborate further to wit:

WARSAW, Oct 4 (AFP) - Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said Saturday he regretted a statement by his spokesman that Polish soldiers in Iraq had found several French missiles made this year, which provoked a strong denial from France.

Szmajdzinski said he "deplored the indications concerning the date the missiles were produced," but did not formally deny the missile find.

"All information from the ministry spokesman concerning the seizure of Roland missiles, as well as the information by the media relative to this affair were neither approved by the ministry nor by the chief of staff of the Polish military," he said in a statement.

Now, why was this so? Who knows, politics? To save the face of both sides? At this point, it will be conjecture. BUT, AP was still accurate in reporting that there were Roland missiles found.

You considere the forumers like idiots don't you ?



Because as far as I see it, there are NO "strong denial from France". Then this news must be representative of the French position? ;)


no, that must be you the idiot. If there is no denial from France it's probably because nobody think that this could be an issue. how can they guess if there is many sensitive paranoid @ss hole or not ? If that really became an affaire , I'm sure the French official will react. I'm quite confident: don't believe all the tale you're taught: French are not evils, they love there children too and are probably not much different from the Americans. That could be a mistake or she may never have said that: just an other AP lie.

[SHAM]

French Deliver Tsunami Aid With Panache

By MICHAEL CASEY, Associated Press Writer

ABOARD JEANNE D'ARC - The naval ship's pantry is stocked with wines, baguettes and pate, and its casual dress code is shorts and sandals. There's even an artist — a painter to keep an illustrated record of the trip. With a panache all its own, France's military is delivering aid to tsunami-battered Indonesia — and showing how a small force can make a difference.

A month after killer waves struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the French are part of an international relief operation that includes forces from more than a dozen nations, including Japan, Russia and Switzerland.

The 1,000 or so French sailors and soldiers arrived in Aceh province on the island's northern tip two weeks ago. Their 11 helicopters and two C-160 cargo planes are airlifting rice and tents to isolated villages devastated by the Dec. 26 earthquake-generated waves, which killed at least 145,000 people in Asia and Africa.

Foreign Legionnaires are clearing debris left by the waves, rebuilding schools in Maleuboh and occasionally extinguishing fires that flare.

French doctors are treating the sick and vaccinating as many as 10,000 Acehnese children against measles. Many of those children had never been immunized against disease.

"The children are smiling again. This is a good sign," said Maj. Francois Masse, a veteran pilot of French relief work in Bosnia, Kosovo and Chad.

Although media attention has focused on the U.S. contribution, particularly by the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its battle group, aid officials say the French and other forces are playing an equally important role.

"(The French) increase our capacity to move loads into some areas where roads have yet to be reconstructed. Trucks cannot reach these areas," said Daniel Augstburger, head of the U.N.'s relief work on Sumatra's western coast.

That responsibility likely will increase once the Americans leave with their three dozen helicopters.

The French, who also are conducting relief operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, object to comparisons with the Americans.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

"How can you really boast of doing something from this tragedy? People were saying, 'They are doing it again. They are showing off.'"

Vice Adm. Rolin Xavier, who heads the French military effort, dubbed Operation Beryx, said, "We are not in the shadow of the Americans but we work alongside them."

Critics of the U.S. military's work in Indonesia say Washington has seized on the disaster as a pretext for advancing its strategic interests in the archipelago and improving ties with the Indonesian military.

Those ties effectively were cut in 1999 after Indonesian troops and their proxy militias killed 1,500 East Timorese after the half-island territory voted for independence in a U.N.-sponsored independence referendum.

During her recent Senate confirmation hearings, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) said the tsunami provided a "wonderful opportunity" for the United States to reap "great dividends" in the region.

The dispatch of the USS Abraham Lincoln's strike force has been viewed in some quarters as an effort not only to help survivors, but also to burnish America's image among Islamic communities worldwide by delivering aid to the largest Muslim country in the world.

The French maintain they do not have strategic interests in the region.

The contrast with U.S. forces does not end there. The U.S. military bans alcohol aboard naval vessels and sailors generally wear casual clothes only in their quarters.

But French sailors aboard the Jeanne D'Arc pick from wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks, and their ready-made meals come with pate. On deck, they sunbathe in the muggy heat in shorts and sandals.

However, what really sets the French apart is the paunchy, bearded civilian riding a sloop to the shore. He is artist Michel Bellion, appointed to paint the French military in action in his trademark bold strokes and bright colors.

"I'm here to show the drama," said Bellion, pulling out a sketch book as he accompanied a team of doctors vaccinating children. "For me, it's hell. That is what I want to show. I'm not looking to make it beautiful. I'm trying to show the emotion."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/20050130/ap_on_re_as/tsunami_french_panache


It sounds like a total spoof, if its true...then i am amazed someone could actually think what shes thinking never mind give it as her opinion.

"The feeling we had in France was that, as usual, the Americans were rushing in force to Indonesia and boasting about it," said flotilla spokeswoman Cmdr. Anne Cullerre. "For some people, it seemed outrageous.

Its got to be a spoof.

[Milkman]

For the third time today, Damned if you do, damned if you dont.

I think this emphasizes what my father has always told me.

"No good deed goes unpunished."

[Bluezoo]

Roland wrote:

This is collateral to this issue, but will try to answer your post. The point is, the were there but the Polish Defense Minister did not elaborate further to wit:

WARSAW, Oct 4 (AFP) - Polish Defense Minister Jerzy Szmajdzinski said Saturday he regretted a statement by his spokesman that Polish soldiers in Iraq had found several French missiles made this year, which provoked a strong denial from France.

Szmajdzinski said he "deplored the indications concerning the date the missiles were produced," but did not formally deny the missile find.

"All information from the ministry spokesman concerning the seizure of Roland missiles, as well as the information by the media relative to this affair were neither approved by the ministry nor by the chief of staff of the Polish military," he said in a statement.

Now, why was this so? Who knows, politics? To save the face of both sides? At this point, it will be conjecture. BUT, AP was still accurate in reporting that there were Roland missiles found.


You considere the forumers like idiots don't you ?

Wow, wow. I did NOT say that. You said that. Speak for your self and your balls, dude. rofl

Let's not take this too far. You are too onion skinned. Chill out. I merely summarized everything and I was sticking to the issues. If you cannot answer my simple questions, than let go. ;)






Because as far as I see it, there are NO "strong denial from France". Then this news must be representative of the French position? ;)


no, that must be you the idiot. If there is no denial from France it's probably because nobody think that this could be an issue. how can they guess if there is many sensitive paranoid @ss hole or not ? If that really became an affaire , I'm sure the French official will react. I'm quite confident: don't believe all the tale you're taught: French are not evils, they love there children too and are probably not much different from the Americans. That could be a mistake or she may never have said that: just an other AP lie.

Again, your arguments are all based on probabilities. In legal parlance, this carries no weight. Your ASSumptions are mere conjectures which has no leg to stand on. At the very best, they are all self-serving denials of what is obvious--the report by AP.

About your miserable claim of an AP lie on this report --So far, you have NOT produced a single specie of evidence that would dispell this news.

Does the truth hurt. ;)

[roland]

still there you ?????
I've said all what I have to say and more about this little affair.
If that become a big affaire, please wake me up and tell us what the French government said.
If you want the point I give it to you.
ciao