Obama and Sarkozy Meet at D-Day Anniversary

U.S. and French presidential couples greeted each other in Normandy to mark the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings.



The event has been marred by controversy after Sarkozy left Britain's Queen Elizabeth off the invitation list.



Some critics have accused the French President of trying to make space for himself next to Obama.



Paris said it had respected protocol.



Britain said the Queen hadn't taken offence and her son Prince Charles went instead with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.



Before Obama and Sarkozy joined other dignitaries, they took time to talk about world affairs.



[Barack Obama, U.S. President]:
"I think all of us understand what would constitute progress when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Progress would mean the parties involved - supported by not just the United States, not just by France but also other Arab states - are in serious, constructive negotiations towards a two state solution."



France and the U.S. have had their differences in the past, mainly over the Iraq war.



But on Saturday both men agreed on a number of issues.



[Nicolas Sarkozy, French President]:
"I would like to say in the simplest, most honest way that maybe never in the history of both our countries have the U.S. and France been so close on big matters."



Later the Obamas' and the Sarkozys' flew to the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer to remember those who lost their lives at Normandy.



Taking their place with Prince Charles, Gordon Brown and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.



Brown has been fighting his own battle at home.



His labour government has been scrutinised over a number of scandals involving ministers expense accounts.



On Friday many of the labour controlled county councils were defeated in local elections.



But Saturday was devoted to remembering those who helped to roll back the Nazi war machine, eventually ending the Second World War.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• U.S.
• and
• French
• presidential
• couples
• Normandy
• D-Day
• landings
• Obama
• Paris
• irespected
• protocol

[boss180888]

@Mrscoobycoco how anglo stupidity can som up 1500 years of history to one month amazes me, how can you be so ignorant?

[nyamcz]

@Mrscoobycoco Stupid people make sacrifice, get use to it.

[OliieTheEpic]

@cooltiger333 they have one of the largest army in the UN, france also has the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world.

any way whats wrong with france, perhaps americas closest ally.

with out france there would be no america.

[xaviqaz]

5th comment

[cooltiger333]

Ugh, the french. Why do we hold the D-Day victory celebration in France? Even though the fight was in Northern FRANCE, the French take sides on U.S. on who is to join the celebration. The British are usually given the cold shoulder. That's okay, we will laugh at the French when they need us again and when their pitiful military is defeated once again.

[wgy619]

1st comment