QUISLING COMPRADOR
WON'T GET CRIMEA BACK, NOR THE EAST
Thomas Adamson
Mon, January 6, 2025
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PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron said his country was a "a solid ally” of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday as he outlined his vision for global diplomacy in 2025, while warning that France could lose the incoming U.S. leader’s respect by being “weak and defeatist.”
“Donald Trump knows that he has a solid ally in France, an ally he does not underestimate, one who believes in Europe and carries a lucid ambition for the transatlantic relationship,” Macron said in a New Year's speech at the Élysée Palace, emphasizing France’s commitment to fostering cooperation while urging European nations to fortify their unity and resilience.
Last month, Trump visited Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, an event that underscored the enduring ties between France and the United States.
“If we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump,” Macron warned.
The speech, delivered against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, laid out France’s foreign policy priorities, spanning the Ukraine war, European defense, and the Middle East.
Even as Macron expressed openness to Trump, he delivered pointed criticism of tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump ally, for promoting what he described as a “new reactionary international” movement through his social media platform, X.
Without naming Musk directly, Macron referenced his alleged support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and his increasing interference in European elections.
“Who could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?” Macron said. He warned of the risks posed by unchecked power in the hands of tech billionaires and the destabilizing impact they could have on democratic institutions.
Macron framed Musk’s influence as a challenge to Europe’s democratic values, reinforcing the need for European unity and resilience against external disruptions.
Call for realism and responsibility on Ukraine
Addressing the grinding war in Ukraine, Macron stressed the need for “realistic discussions on territorial questions,” adding, “such negotiations can only be conducted by Ukrainians themselves.”
He called on the United States to “help change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table,” while underscoring Europe’s pivotal role. “The Europeans will have to construct security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be primarily their responsibility,” he said.
Macron countered Trump’s campaign pledge for an express settlement, warning, “There is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine.” He also highlighted the stakes for the United States, stating, “The new American president himself knows the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.”
The French president further cautioned against compromise due to fatigue. “The credibility of the West will be shattered if we compromise because of fatigue,” he asserted, adding that a capitulation of Ukraine would be catastrophic—not just for Europe, but for U.S. credibility as well.
Fight against terrorism is a ‘central’ priority
Macron addressed a range of pressing international issues, identifying Iran as the “principal strategic and security challenge” in the Middle East. He pointed to Tehran’s accelerated nuclear program as a looming global threat, warning that the world is “perilously close to the breaking point.”
On Syria, Macron reiterated France’s long-term commitment to supporting a democratic transition, pledging to remain faithful to Kurdish fighters battling terrorism. “The fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,” he said, reaffirming France’s backing for allies like the Kurds while advocating for a “sovereign, pluralistic Syria.”
Europe’s defense and economic future
In a sharp critique of Europe’s dependence on U.S. defense technology, Macron urged European nations to bolster their industrial capabilities.
“If we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,” he warned.
Macron also addressed the EU-Mercosur trade deal that France continues to oppose, signaling his country's intent to push for coherent commitments. The proposed agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and boost trade between the European Union and South American countries, has been criticized for its potential environmental and agricultural impacts. “The mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments,” Macron stated.
Macron’s remarks underscored France’s delicate balancing act on the global stage—collaborating with old allies while maintaining European sovereignty.
Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press
Macron sees 'no quick and easy solution' to Ukraine conflict
Thomas Adamson
Mon, January 6, 2025
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron said his country was a "a solid ally” of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday as he outlined his vision for global diplomacy in 2025, while warning that France could lose the incoming U.S. leader’s respect by being “weak and defeatist.”
“Donald Trump knows that he has a solid ally in France, an ally he does not underestimate, one who believes in Europe and carries a lucid ambition for the transatlantic relationship,” Macron said in a New Year's speech at the Élysée Palace, emphasizing France’s commitment to fostering cooperation while urging European nations to fortify their unity and resilience.
Last month, Trump visited Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, an event that underscored the enduring ties between France and the United States.
“If we decide to be weak and defeatist, there is little chance we will be respected by the United States under President Trump,” Macron warned.
The speech, delivered against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, laid out France’s foreign policy priorities, spanning the Ukraine war, European defense, and the Middle East.
Even as Macron expressed openness to Trump, he delivered pointed criticism of tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump ally, for promoting what he described as a “new reactionary international” movement through his social media platform, X.
Without naming Musk directly, Macron referenced his alleged support for Germany’s far-right AfD party and his increasing interference in European elections.
“Who could have imagined, 10 years ago, that the owner of one of the world’s largest social networks would intervene directly in elections, including in Germany?” Macron said. He warned of the risks posed by unchecked power in the hands of tech billionaires and the destabilizing impact they could have on democratic institutions.
Macron framed Musk’s influence as a challenge to Europe’s democratic values, reinforcing the need for European unity and resilience against external disruptions.
Call for realism and responsibility on Ukraine
Addressing the grinding war in Ukraine, Macron stressed the need for “realistic discussions on territorial questions,” adding, “such negotiations can only be conducted by Ukrainians themselves.”
He called on the United States to “help change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table,” while underscoring Europe’s pivotal role. “The Europeans will have to construct security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be primarily their responsibility,” he said.
Macron countered Trump’s campaign pledge for an express settlement, warning, “There is no quick and easy solution in Ukraine.” He also highlighted the stakes for the United States, stating, “The new American president himself knows the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses.”
The French president further cautioned against compromise due to fatigue. “The credibility of the West will be shattered if we compromise because of fatigue,” he asserted, adding that a capitulation of Ukraine would be catastrophic—not just for Europe, but for U.S. credibility as well.
Fight against terrorism is a ‘central’ priority
Macron addressed a range of pressing international issues, identifying Iran as the “principal strategic and security challenge” in the Middle East. He pointed to Tehran’s accelerated nuclear program as a looming global threat, warning that the world is “perilously close to the breaking point.”
On Syria, Macron reiterated France’s long-term commitment to supporting a democratic transition, pledging to remain faithful to Kurdish fighters battling terrorism. “The fight against terrorism must remain central to our priorities,” he said, reaffirming France’s backing for allies like the Kurds while advocating for a “sovereign, pluralistic Syria.”
Europe’s defense and economic future
In a sharp critique of Europe’s dependence on U.S. defense technology, Macron urged European nations to bolster their industrial capabilities.
“If we depend on the American industrial base for our security, we will face strategic dilemmas that are both cruel and culpable,” he warned.
Macron also addressed the EU-Mercosur trade deal that France continues to oppose, signaling his country's intent to push for coherent commitments. The proposed agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and boost trade between the European Union and South American countries, has been criticized for its potential environmental and agricultural impacts. “The mass is not said. We will continue to defend the coherence of our commitments,” Macron stated.
Macron’s remarks underscored France’s delicate balancing act on the global stage—collaborating with old allies while maintaining European sovereignty.
Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press
Macron sees 'no quick and easy solution' to Ukraine conflict
FRANCE24
NEWS WIRES
Mon, January 6, 2025
President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as he outlined his foreign policy priorities for 2025 at the annual ambassadors conference in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine Monday to have "realistic" expectations on territory as its fight against the Russian invasion heads into a fourth year, saying he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the conflict.
Outlining France's foreign policy for the coming year, Macron also took aim at Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media platform X and close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, accusing him of supporting "a new international reactionary movement".
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, is currently occupying about a fifth of its territory.
"There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.
But he also warned that Ukrainians needed to have "realistic discussions on territorial issues", clearly urging Kyiv for the first time to consider territorial concessions.
Europe will have to offer "security guarantees" for Ukraine, he added.
(AFP)
NEWS WIRES
Mon, January 6, 2025
President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as he outlined his foreign policy priorities for 2025 at the annual ambassadors conference in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine Monday to have "realistic" expectations on territory as its fight against the Russian invasion heads into a fourth year, saying he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the conflict.
Outlining France's foreign policy for the coming year, Macron also took aim at Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media platform X and close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, accusing him of supporting "a new international reactionary movement".
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, is currently occupying about a fifth of its territory.
"There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.
But he also warned that Ukrainians needed to have "realistic discussions on territorial issues", clearly urging Kyiv for the first time to consider territorial concessions.
Europe will have to offer "security guarantees" for Ukraine, he added.
(AFP)
Macron urges 'realistic' expectations from Ukraine on territory
Francesco FONTEMAGGI
Mon 6 January 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine Monday to have "realistic" expectations on territory as its fight against the Russian invasion heads into a fourth year, saying he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the conflict.
Outlining France's foreign policy for the coming year, Macron also took aim at Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media platform X and close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, accusing him of supporting "a new international reactionary movement".
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, is currently occupying about a fifth of its territory.
"There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.
But he also warned that Ukrainians needed to have "realistic discussions on territorial issues", clearly urging Kyiv for the first time to consider territorial concessions.
Trump has promised to bring a swift end to nearly three years of fighting, without offering any concrete proposals for a ceasefire or peace deal.
Both sides are looking to secure a better position on the battlefield before Trump's January 20 inauguration.
"The United States of America must help us to change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table," Macron said.
Europe will have to offer "security guarantees" for Ukraine, he added.
"The new American president knows himself that the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses," Macron said.
He also warned that the credibility of Western countries would be "shattered" if they agreed to compromise on Ukraine because of "fatigue".
"A capitulation by Ukraine cannot be good for Europeans and Americans," the French president said.
Trump has described US assistance to Ukraine as wasteful, with his aides suggesting leveraging US assistance to force territorial concessions to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism in an interview published Sunday with US podcaster Lex Fridman that Trump will be able to force Russia into peace talks and end the war.
"It is up to the Ukrainians to choose the time and conditions for peace negotiations," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said later Monday.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who spoke to reporters in Paris alongside Barrot, added: "Ukraine deserves peace, needs peace. But it should be on fair terms."
- No 'naviety' on Syria -
Macron also said the West must not be naive about the new authorities in Syria after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, and promised France would not abandon Kurdish fighters.
"We must regard the regime change in Syria without naivety," Macron said after Islamist-led forces toppled Assad last month, adding France would not abandon "freedom fighters, like the Kurds" who are fighting extremist groups in Syria.
The West is looking to engage with Syria's Islamist-led leadership led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On Friday, France's Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock became the most senior Western figures to visit the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled Assad.
The trip was overshadowed by the new leader's refusal to shake Baerbock's hand.
Francesco FONTEMAGGI
Mon 6 January 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Ukraine Monday to have "realistic" expectations on territory as its fight against the Russian invasion heads into a fourth year, saying he saw no "quick and easy solution" to the conflict.
Outlining France's foreign policy for the coming year, Macron also took aim at Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media platform X and close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, accusing him of supporting "a new international reactionary movement".
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, is currently occupying about a fifth of its territory.
"There will be no quick and easy solution in Ukraine," Macron said in a speech to French ambassadors gathered at the Elysee Palace.
But he also warned that Ukrainians needed to have "realistic discussions on territorial issues", clearly urging Kyiv for the first time to consider territorial concessions.
Trump has promised to bring a swift end to nearly three years of fighting, without offering any concrete proposals for a ceasefire or peace deal.
Both sides are looking to secure a better position on the battlefield before Trump's January 20 inauguration.
"The United States of America must help us to change the nature of the situation and convince Russia to come to the negotiating table," Macron said.
Europe will have to offer "security guarantees" for Ukraine, he added.
"The new American president knows himself that the United States has no chance of winning anything if Ukraine loses," Macron said.
He also warned that the credibility of Western countries would be "shattered" if they agreed to compromise on Ukraine because of "fatigue".
"A capitulation by Ukraine cannot be good for Europeans and Americans," the French president said.
Trump has described US assistance to Ukraine as wasteful, with his aides suggesting leveraging US assistance to force territorial concessions to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism in an interview published Sunday with US podcaster Lex Fridman that Trump will be able to force Russia into peace talks and end the war.
"It is up to the Ukrainians to choose the time and conditions for peace negotiations," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said later Monday.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who spoke to reporters in Paris alongside Barrot, added: "Ukraine deserves peace, needs peace. But it should be on fair terms."
- No 'naviety' on Syria -
Macron also said the West must not be naive about the new authorities in Syria after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, and promised France would not abandon Kurdish fighters.
"We must regard the regime change in Syria without naivety," Macron said after Islamist-led forces toppled Assad last month, adding France would not abandon "freedom fighters, like the Kurds" who are fighting extremist groups in Syria.
The West is looking to engage with Syria's Islamist-led leadership led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On Friday, France's Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock became the most senior Western figures to visit the Syrian capital since Islamist-led forces toppled Assad.
The trip was overshadowed by the new leader's refusal to shake Baerbock's hand.
LIK HUSBAND OF GOP REP REFUSED TO LOOK AT VP HARRIS OR SHAKE HER HAND
Macron also said Iran was the main strategic and security challenge in the Middle East, citing the acceleration of its nuclear programme and support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
"Iran is the main strategic and security challenge for France, Europeans, the entire region and beyond," Macron said, adding the issue would be a key subject of discussion with Trump's administration.
He said that the acceleration of its nuclear programme, which the West suspects is aimed at making a nuclear bomb, is "bringing us very close to the breaking point".
Macron also accused Musk, the world's wealthiest man who has secured unprecedented influence thanks to his proximity to Trump, of intervening in elections, including Germany's snap legislative polls next month.
"Ten years ago, who could have imagined it if we had been told that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany," Macron said, while adding Trump "knows he has a strong ally in France".
fff-vl-cf-cl-as/gv
Macron also said Iran was the main strategic and security challenge in the Middle East, citing the acceleration of its nuclear programme and support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
"Iran is the main strategic and security challenge for France, Europeans, the entire region and beyond," Macron said, adding the issue would be a key subject of discussion with Trump's administration.
He said that the acceleration of its nuclear programme, which the West suspects is aimed at making a nuclear bomb, is "bringing us very close to the breaking point".
Macron also accused Musk, the world's wealthiest man who has secured unprecedented influence thanks to his proximity to Trump, of intervening in elections, including Germany's snap legislative polls next month.
"Ten years ago, who could have imagined it if we had been told that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany," Macron said, while adding Trump "knows he has a strong ally in France".
fff-vl-cf-cl-as/gv
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