Interview with the Today Programme, BBC Radio Four, 05.04.04

TODAY: Good morning to you!

Gérard Errera: Good morning!

Q: Does a visit from the British monarch cause a stir in Paris - will Parisians be flocking to see her?

GE: The Queen is, as you know, very well liked, very well respected, and therefore everybody is looking forward to her visit. She will meet many people, she has expressed the wish to meet people - and the people of Paris, the people of France will be very happy to meet her.

Q : And of course she speaks French fluently, which helps.

GE: Yes, she does.

Q : And she’ll be making speeches in French and also walking around the city?

GE: Yes, she will meet President Chirac this afternoon after she arrives at the Gare du Nord by Eurostar and is driven up the Champs-Elysées, and this evening there will be a State dinner. Tomorrow she will take a walk around a popular market in Paris, rue Montorgeuil, and do many other things. On Wednesday she will go to Toulouse.

Q : Of course, during her visit no one will allude to the difficulties or the frostiness there has sometimes been, you have to admit, in relations between the British and the French. But do you think that these celebrations can bring to an end one of the frostiest periods in cross-Channel relations?

GE: Well, if you are alluding to Iraq, I think it is no secret that we had a disagreement on Iraq last year, mainly about the issue of whether or not the war was warranted, and the role of the United Nations Security Council in authorising the use of force. At the same time, we know that we have many things which unite us. As President Chirac and Prime Minister Blair last year, in the midst of this difference on Iraq, stated very firmly, very strongly: "what unites us is stronger than what divides us". So, indeed, what are those things which unite us? I think there are three main important things which should be recalled at this time when the Queen is visiting France. One is that our two countries face the same domestic challenges: the need for modernisation of their economies, of their societies, while ensuring social solidarity. Second, I think that Britain and France share a common destiny in Europe and that together they can help shape Europe’s future. Three, and very important in these times of threats and great challenges, Britain and France share the same challenges in the world. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, they perhaps have special responsibilities in the world: to deal with terrorism, proliferation and other very important challenges. The Queen’s visit incarnates, embodies, expresses this common destiny. Because let’s be clear, we have the choice, the choice is ours: either we can continue, as some are, to be misled by myths, stereotypes and clichés, or we can be led by realities.

Q : You mentioned terrorism. Can I just refer to the fact that French police have arrested 15 people, suspected of having links with the bomb attacks last year in Morocco. Do you think that the French feel that they are conquering terrorism, that they are managing to make enough arrests and keep on top of the situation?

GE: I think that we have to be very determined and at the same time very ambitious in our goals and very modest when we talk about the fight against terrorism. I think that we need cooperation, we need to persevere. Between countries, and especially between our two countries, there is increasing cooperation which benefits both countries.

Q : Security will be very tight when the Queen does her walkabout presumably - again, because of this risk of terrorism.

GE: Well there is always security for this kind of State visit. At the same time, I think we will try to ensure that the openness Her Majesty the Queen wants with the French people is possible.

Q : And just finally, on the relationship between Tony Blair and President Chirac - they have had a few difficulties, haven’t they. Are they friends again?

GE: They have always been friends. And as I told you just a moment ago, I think that it’s quite relevant that a year ago, at the very moment where we had an important difference on Iraq, at the Touquet summit they said very forcefully together that "what unites us is stronger than what divides us". This is true today, it will be true tomorrow because we have many challenges that we face together.

Q : Gérard Errera, thank you very much.