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FACTBOX-Sarkozy spells out foreign policy objectives

28 Feb 2007 18:46:31 GMT
Source: Reuters

Feb 28 (Reuters) - French presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy laid out the main planks of his foreign policy platform on Wednesday, promising to put security, human rights and trade at the heart of his international strategy.

Below are some of the main points from his programme.

IRAN - "Unacceptable" for Iran to obtain the atom bomb, promises more sanctions if Tehran refuses to meet U.N. demands.

NUCLEAR ENERGY - Help countries such as Algeria gain civilian nuclear programmes, show Iran cooperation is possible

UNITED STATES - Wants "deep, sincere, staunch" friendship with Washington, but says U.S. should be ready to take criticism. Calls for U.S. to do more to halt global warming.

RUSSIA - Says recent developments in Russia "worrying", critical of situation in Chechnya.

IRAQ - Calls for political solution to crisis, says U.S. should set timetable for withdrawal.

MIDDLE-EAST - Puts Israel's right to safety on same level as Palestinians' right to an independent state.

EUROPEAN UNION - Hopes to resolve impasse over the European constitution by 2009. Calls for a simplified treaty that will:

-- prolong the term of the rotating presidencies

-- create the post of an EU foreign minister

-- extend qualified voting to judicial, immigration issues

-- promote powers of European parliament

-- give citizens the right to propose Commission policy

He also urged an end to the veto voting system where one country can block initiatives supported by the other 26 member states; said the EU Commission president should represent Europe at global trade talks; calls for fresh efforts to strengthen ties with non-EU Mediterranean states.

GERMANY - Guarantee strong ties with Berlin but no longer expect Germany and France to jointly dictate EU policy.

AFRICA - Look to broaden France's sphere of influence beyond west Africa; place French troops in the region under the mandate of the United Nations or African Union; welcomes greater Chinese role on the continent; try to boost economic growth in Africa.

SECURITY - Maintain France's own military nuclear deterrent; keep defence spending at two percent of GDP; persuade European allies to boost defence spending; build second aircraft carrier.

UNITED NATIONS - Reform the Security Council letting states like "Germany, India, Japan or Brazil" play "a permanent role". Says reform could be gradual, with permanent positions handed out progressively and without immediate veto rights.

TRADE - Promote French produce, defend French interests in trade talks, including the need for Europe to have "agricultural independence", promote EU trade interests "forcibly".

ENVIRONMENT - Criticises World Trade Organisation over environmental record, calls for creation of "World Environment Organisation" to act as a counterweight to the WTO.

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Last updated:Wed Feb 28 18:48:03 2007