BAGHDAD -- France's foreign minister paid an unannounced and highly symbolic visit to Baghdad yesterday -- the first by a senior French official since the war started and a gesture to the American effort in Iraq after years of icy relations over the US-led invasion. Bernard Kouchner said Paris wanted to "turn the page" and look to the future.

A top American general, meanwhile, said Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard had 50 men training Shi'ite militiamen in remote camps south of Baghdad.

Kouchner said he was not in Iraq to offer initiatives or proposals but to listen to ideas on how his country might help stop the devastating violence.

"Now we are turning the page. There is a new perspective. We want to talk about the future. Democracy, integrity, sovereignty, reconciliation, and stopping the killings. That's my deep aim," Kouchner said after meeting with Iraq's foreign minister, Hosyhar Zebari.
France tries to 'turn the page' on Iraq - The Boston Globe

Wow.......now the French begin to chime in.....isn't this what the Dems were looking for.....world approval for what's going on in Iraq? Viva la Kerry/Edwards

Have a good one!:s4:
Psycho4Bud Reviewed by Psycho4Bud on . France "Turns the Page" on Iraq BAGHDAD -- France's foreign minister paid an unannounced and highly symbolic visit to Baghdad yesterday -- the first by a senior French official since the war started and a gesture to the American effort in Iraq after years of icy relations over the US-led invasion. Bernard Kouchner said Paris wanted to "turn the page" and look to the future. A top American general, meanwhile, said Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard had 50 men training Shi'ite militiamen in remote camps south of Baghdad. Rating: 5