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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated

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To: Elsewhere who wrote (40832)	4/28/2004 1:34:18 PM
From: LindyBill	Read Replies (3) of 793891

I find it hard to believe that the Germans would come. Chirac Plans Another Versailles Treaty EURSOC Two 28 April, 2004 France's president Chirac is planning to sign the European constitution in an elaborate ceremony in Versailles - and will invite Germany's chancellor Schröder and representatives of the German parliament to ratify the document at the same time. A joint Franco-German signing ceremony in Versailles would have huge symbolic resonance throughout Europe. The 1919 treaty of Versailles set the terms of Germany's defeat after the First World War - and the punitive measures demanded by France are thought by some historians to have contributed to the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s. A 21st century Versailles text would declare to Europe how far the former enemies have come since the two world wars. It would also remind the EU's other 23 nations that France and Germany continue to see themselves as Europe's most important nations. The rumour of the grandiose ceremony comes as Chirac ponders how to get the constitution treaty past an increasingly hostile French public. Tony Blair's decision to call a referendum on the constitution has increased pressure on the French president to call a vote - though Chirac is said to be wary of calling a referendum he could well lose. Tony Blair's front-page explanation for his U-turn in France's influental daily Le Monde will anger Chirac even more. It is more likely that Chirac will push the treaty past both houses of the French parliament before inviting chancellor Schröder to Versailles. Provided Chirac is able to persuade France to accept the constitution, a grand Franco-German signing ceremony amid the splendour of Versailles will hardly convince Britons that the treaty is the simple "tidying up exercise" Tony Blair insists it is. Despite Chirac's schemes, it is unclear whether or not Schröder will agree to take part in the signing of a new Versailles treaty. This latest stunt is just another in a long line of Franco-German spectaculars designed to persuade the world of the two countries' close relations - and frankly, it is wearing a little thin. Firstly, there is no guarantee that Schröder will be around to ratify the constitution. The chancellor's personal closeness to the French president has kept the relationship afloat - even as voters from both nations have been less than overwhelmed by the numerous public displays of affection between their leaders. Second, Germany might want to get the constitution signed with a minimum of fuss. Germany Euro-scepticism is rising and while the German constitution forbids British-style referendums, public disatisfaction with the EU is on the rise. A grand signing ceremony - in Versailles of all places - might irritate Germans even more. Thirdly, if the constitution does represent a new era for Europe, Germany's leadership might want to take the opportunity to start anew as well. The Franco-German axis has benefited France much more than Germany - and German diplomats have taken to wondering aloud if subcontracting their foreign policy to Paris has done them more harm than good. Germany will want to increase its standing in central Europe - and that could mean loosening its ties to France. Never mind Monsieur le President: If Schröder doesn't accept your invitation, there's always Senor Zapatero.

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