The delicate balance of relations between two of the world’s powers is down to body language. It was the first encounter between US President George Bush and French President Jacques Chirac since the two disagreed so vehemently over war in Iraq.
And from a nation that refined the four kiss welcome, all Bush got from his French host was four gentle fingertips guiding him to the G-8 photo shoot. The tactile Texan, Mr. Bush was no more welcoming.
Diplomats regard the current frostiness between the United States and France as a genuine crisis in relations; so much so that the French Ambassador to the United States sent a letter to American politicians and the media, pleading for an end to these useless polemics.
Guests:
Jean-David Levitte, French Ambassador to the United States