Search

Profiles French President Chirac, the first Gaullist president in 21 years. Question of whether Chirac has brought back the old Gaullist diplomacy; Whether such a diplomatic style would square with France's ardent public support for a common European foreign and security policy; Comparison with his predecessor, Francois Mitterand; Chirac bringing bursts of activity to France's foreign policy.

Considers how France is changing its view toward foreign policy. Gradual abandonment of Gaullism and anti-Americanism; Change of attitude by President Jacques Chirac; France's decision to resume its seat on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) military committee; Reasons for the change of attitude.

Looks at possible changes in France's relationships with its former African colonies. The report due out in August 1995 that will impact the relationship between France and Africa; What the report, commissioned by Alain Juppe, will recommend; Questions about France's Africa policy; The trip by Jacques Chirac of France to West Africa in July 1995; Other aspects.

Reports on renewed relations between Algeria and France. The French used to rule the place, and quit in 1962 only after a savage liberation war. Yet Algeria's welcome, both official and popular, for Jacques Chirac, making the first-ever state visit by a French president, could hardly have been warmer. Chirac proclaimed before the Algerian parliament "a shared vision of a tolerant Islam" and then signed, with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, a "declaration of Algiers", forerunner of a formal treaty to underline the two countries' "special partnership". It is hard to reconcile Chirac's promise to improve visa procedures with the pledge (to the French) of his interior minister to crack down on "the huge increase in the number of visas issued, which is at the root of the growth in illegal immigration". Yet behind the Chirac rhetoric lies serious politics, domestic and international. Some 5 million Muslims live in France. Of these, 537,000 in 2001 were lawfully resident Algerian nationals. Add French citizens of Algerian origin and the total is large enough to be a permanent issue in French politics.

Discusses the efforts of French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to shape the country's foreign policy. The reaction of French President Jacques Chirac; The choice of Hubert Vedrine as foreign minister; France's uncomfortable relations with the United States; The French presence in Africa.

Focuses on the change in foreign affairs stances since Jacques Chirac came to power in France. The personalities of Chirac and Alain Juppe; Historical information about the handling of foreign affairs in France.