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French President Macron Addresses U.S. Congress; Macron Says Europe and U.S. Must Face Challenges Together; Macron Says We Must Leave Our Children a Habitable Planet; Macron, Don't Repeat Past Mistakes in Middle East; Macron Trying to Sway Trump to Stick to Iran Deal. Aired 11a-12n ET
Aired April 25, 2018 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00] EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT: .Tragically on September 11, 2001, many Americans had an unexpected rendezvous with death. Over the
last five years my country and Europe also experienced terrible terrorist attacks. And we shall never forget these innocent victims, nor the
incredible resilience of our people in the aftermath. It is a horrific price to pay for freedom, for democracy.
That is why we stand together in Syria and in Sahel today to fight together against this terrorist groups who seek to destroy everything for which we
stand. We have encountered countless rendezvous with death because we have this constant attachment to freedom and democracy.
As emblazoned in the flags of the French revolutionaries -- vivre libre ou mourir -- live free or die. Thankfully, freedom is also the source of all
that is worth living for. Freedom is a call to think and to love. It is a call to our will. That is why in times of peace, France and the United
States were able to forge unbreakable bounds from the grips of painful memories. The most indestructible, the most powerful, the knots between us
is the one that ties the true purpose our people to advance. As an Abraham Lincoln said, the unfinished business of democracy.
Indeed, our two societies have stood up to advance the human rights for all. They have engaged in a continual dialogue to impact this unfinished
business. In this capitol rotunda, the birth of Martin Luther King, assassinated 50 years ago, reminds us of the inspiration of African-
American leaders, artists, writers, who have become part of our common heritage. We celebrate among them, James Baldwin, and Richard White, and
friends (INAUDIBLE).
We have shared the history of civil rights. France's Simon de Beauvoir became a respected figure in the movement for gender equality in America in
the 70's. Women's rights have long been a fundamental driver for our societies on both sides of the Atlantic. This explains why the me-too
movement has recently had such a deep resonance in France.
Democracy is made of day-to-day conversations and mutual understanding between citizens. It is easier and deeper when we have the ability to
speak each other's language, the heart of one country also beats here in the United States, from New Orleans to Seattle. I want this heart to beat
even harder in American schools all across the country.
Democracy relies also on the faculty of freely describing the present and the capacity to advance the future. This is what culture brings.
Thousands of examples come to mind when we think of the exchanges between our cultures across the centuries. From Thomas Jefferson, who was
ambassador to France, and built his house in Monticello based on the building he loved in Paris. To Hemingway's novel, "Movable Feast,"
celebrating the capital city of France.
From our great 19th century French writer, Chateaubriand, bringing to the French people the dream of American's open spaces, forests and mountains.
To Faulkner's novels crafted in the deep south. But first read in France where they quickly gained literary praise. From jazz, coming from
Louisiana and the blues from Mississippi, finding in France an enthusiastic public. To the American fascination and interests for the French modern
contemporary arts.
[11:05:00] These exchanges are vibrant in so many fields. From cinema to fashion, from design to high cuisine, from sports to visual arts. Medicine
and scientific research as well as business and innovation are also a significant part of our shared journey. The United States is France's
first scientific partner. Our economic ties create hundreds of thousands of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
This story of France and the United States is a story of an endless dialogue made of common dreams, of common struggle for dignity and
progress. It is the best achievement of our democratic principles and values. This is a very special relationship. This is us.
But we must remember the warning of President Theodore Roosevelt. Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it
to our children in the bloodstream, it must be fought for, protected, handed on for them to do the same.
This is an urgent reminder, indeed, because now, going beyond our bilateral ties, beyond our very special relationship, Europe and the United States
must face together the global challenges of the century. And we cannot take for granted our transatlantic history and bonds. At the core, our
Western values themselves are at risk. We have to succeed, facing these challenges, and we cannot succeed in forfeiting our principles and our
history.
In fact, the 21st century has brought a series of new threats and new challenges that our ancestors might not ever have imagined. Our strongest
beliefs are challenged by the rise of a yet unknown new world order, our societies are concerned about the future of their children.
All of us gathered here in this noble chamber, we, elected officials, all share the responsibility to demonstrate that democracy remains the best
answer to the questions and doubts that are raised today. Even if the foundations of our progress are disrupted, we must stand firmly and fight
to make our principles prevail.
But we bear another responsibility inherited from our collected history. Today, the international community needs to step up our game and build the
21st century world order based on the perennial principles we established together after World War II. The rule of law, the fundamentals values in
which we secured peace for 70 years are now questioned by urgent issues that require our joint action.
Together, with our international allies and partners, we are facing inequalities created by globalization, threats to the planet, our common
good, attacks on democracy through the rise of liberalism and the destabilization of our international community by new powers and criminal
states. All these risks aggrieve our citizens. Both in the United States and in Europe, we are living in a time of anger and fear because of these
current global threats. But these feelings do not build anything. You can play with fear and anger for a time.
[11:10:00] But they do not construct anything. Anger only freezes and weakens us. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said during his first inaugural
speech. The only thing we have to fear it is fear itself.
Therefore, let me say we have two possible ways ahead. We can choose isolationism, withdrawal, and nationalism. This is an option. It can be
tempting to us as a temporary remedy to our fears. But closing the door to the word will not stop the evolution of the world. It will not douse that
inflame the fears of our citizens. We have to keep our eyes wide open to the new risks right in front of us. I'm convinced that if we decide to
open our eyes wider we will be stronger. We will overcome the dangers. We will not let the rampaging work of extreme nationalism shake a world full
of hopes for greater prosperity.
It is a critical moment. If we do not act with urgency as a global community, I am convinced that the international institutions, including
the United Nations and NATO, will no longer be able to exist life and mandates and stabilizing influence. We will then inevitably and severely
undermine the liberal order we built after World War II.
All the powers, with the strongest strategy and ambition, will then fill the void we will leave empty. All the powers will not hesitate one second
to advocate their own model to shape the 21st century world order. Personally, if you ask me, I do not share the fascination for new strong
powers, the abandonment of freedom and the illusion of nationalism.
Therefore, distinguished members of the Congress, let us push them aside, write our own history and burst the future we want. We have to shape our
common answers to the global threats that we are facing. The only option then is to strengthen our cooperation. We can build the 21st century world
order based on a new breed of militarism, based on a more effective, accountable, and results oriented militarism, a strong militarism.
This requires more than ever the United States involvement as your role was decisive for creating and safeguarding today's free world. The United
States is the one who invented this militarism. You are the one now who has to help to preserve and reinvent it.
[11:15:00] This strong militarism will not outshine our national cultures and national identities. It is exactly the other way around. A strong
militarism will allow our cultures and identities to be respected, to be protected, and to flourish freely together. Why? Because precisely our
own culture is based on both sides of the Atlantic, on this unique taste for freedom, on this unique attachment for liberty and peace. This strong
militarism is the unique option compatible with our nations, our cultures, our identities.
With the U.S. president, with the support of every 535 members of this joint session, representing he whole American nation, we can actively
contribute together to building the 21st century world order for our people.
The United States -- the United States and Europe have a historical role in this respect. Because it is the only way to defend what we believe in, to
promote our universal values, to express strongly that human rights, the rights of minorities, and shared liberty as a true answer to the disorders
of the world. I believe in these rights and values, I believe that against ignorance we have education. Against inequalities, development. Against
cynicism, trust and good faith. Against fanaticism, culture. Against disease and epidemics, medicine. Against the threats on the planets,
science.
I believe in concrete action. I believe the solutions are in our hands. I believe in the liberation of the individual and in the freedom and
responsibility of everyone to build their own life and pursue happiness. I believe in the power of intelligently regulated market economies. We are
experiencing the positive impact of our current economy globalization with innovations, with job creations. We see, however, the abuses of globalized
capitalism and digital disruptions which jeopardize the stability of our economies and democracies.
I believe facing these challenges requires the opposite of massive deregulation and extreme nationalism. Commercial war, opposing the lies,
is not consistent with our mission, with our history, with our current commitments for global security. At the end of the day, it will destroy
jobs, increase prices, and the middle class will have to pay for it.
[11:20:00] I believe we can build the right answers to legitimate concerns regarding trade imbalances, excesses and overcapacities by negotiating
through the World Trade Organization and building cooperative solutions. We wrote these rules. We should follow them.
I believe we can address all citizens' concerns regarding privacy and personal data. The recent Facebook -- the recent Facebook hearings saw the
necessity to preserve our citizens' digital rights. And of those that are worried and protect the confidence in today's digital truth of life. The
European Union passed a new regulation for data protection. I believe the United States and the European Union should cooperate to find the right
balance between innovation and ethics and harness the best of today's revolutions in digital data and artificial intelligence.
I believe facing inequalities should push as to improve policy coordination within the G20 to reduce financial speculation and create mechanisms to
protect the middle-class interests. Because our middle classes are the backbone of our democracies.
I believe in building a better future for our children which requires offering them a planet that is still habitable in 25 years. Some people
think that securing current industries and their jobs is more urgent than transforming our economies to meet the global challenge of climate change.
I hear these concerns, but we must find a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Because what is the meaning of our life, our life, really, if we
work and live destroying the planet while sacrificing the future of our children. What is the meaning of our life if our decision, our conscious
decision is to reduce the opportunities for our children or grandchildren?
By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions emission, and destroying our biodiversity, we are killing our planet. Let us face it.
There is no planet B.
On this issue it may happen we have disagreements between the United States and France. It may happen. Like in all families. But that's for me a
short-term disagreement. On their own world, we will have to face the same realities and we're just citizen of this same planet, so we will have to
face it. Some beyond, some short-term disagreements. We have to work together with business leaders and local communities, let us work together
in order to make our planet great again and create new jobs and new opportunity. While supporting our earth.
[11:25:00] And I'm sure one day the United States will come back and join the Paris agreement. And I'm sure -- and I'm sure we can work together to
fulfill with you the ambitions of the global compact on the environment.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe in democracy. Many of our forbearers were fighting for the cause of freedom and human rights. With the great
inheritance they gave us comes the responsibility to continue their mission in this new century and to preserve the perennial values handed to us and
assure that today's unprecedented innovations in science and technology remain the service of liberty and in the preservation of our planet for the
next generations.
To protect our democracies, we have to fight against the ever-growing virus of fake news, which exposes our people to irrational fear and imaginary
risks. And let me attribute the first copyright for the expression "fake news", especially here. Without reason, without truths there is no real
democracy. Because democracy is about true choices and rational decisions. The corruption of information is an attempt to corrode the very spirit of
our democracies.
We also have to fight against the terrorist propaganda that spreads out its fanaticism on the internet. It has a gripping inference on some of our
citizens and children. I want this fight to be part of our bilateral commitment and we discussed with your President the importance of such an
agenda. I want this fight to be part of the G7 agenda because here again it deeply harms our right and shared values.
The terrorist threat is even more dangerous when it is combined with the nuclear proliferation threat. We must therefore be stricter than ever with
country seeking to acquire the nuclear bomb. That is why France supports fully the United States in its efforts to bring Pyongyang through sanctions
and negotiations towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
As for Iran our objective is clearer. Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons. Not now, not in five years, not in 10 years, never. That this
policy should never lead us to war in the Middle East.
[11:30:00] We must ensure stability and respect sovereignty of the nations, including that one of Iran, which represents a great civilization. Let us
not replicate past mistakes in the region. Let us not be naive on what side, let us not create new walls also on the other side. There is an
existing framework called the JCPOA to control the nuclear activity of Iran. We signed it at the initiative of the United States. We signed it,
both the United States and France. That is why we cannot say we should get rid of it like that.
But it is true to say that this agreement may not address all concerns and very important concerns. This is true. But we should not abandon it
without having something substantial and more substantial instead. That's my position. That's why France will not leave the JCPOA because we signed
it. Your President and your country will have to take in the current days and weeks its own responsibilities regarding this issue. But what I want
to do and what we decided together with your President is that we can work on more comprehensive deal addressing all these concerns.
That is why we have to work on this more comprehensive deal based on, as was discussed yesterday, on four pillars. The substance of the existing
agreement. Especially if you decide to leave it. The post-2025 period in order to be sure that we will never have any nuclear activity for Iran.
The containment of the military influence of the Iranian regime in the region and the monitoring of ballistic activity. I think these four
pillars, the one I addressed in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations last September, are the ones which cover the legitimate fears of
the United States and our allies in the region.
I think we have to start working now on these four pillars to build this new comprehensive deal and to be sure that whatever the decision of the
United States will be, we will not leave the floor to the absence of rule. We will not leave the floor to this conflict of powers in the Middle East.
We will not fuel ourselves in increasing tensions and pushes towards war. That's my position and I think we can work together to build this
comprehensive deal for the whole region for our people. Because I think it fairly addresses our concerns. That's my position.
And this containment, I mentioned one of this pillar, is necessary in Yemen, in Lebanon, in Iraq, also in Syria. Building a sustainable peace in
a united and inclusive Syria requires indeed that all powers in the region respect the sovereignty of its people and the diversity of its communities.
[11:35:00] In Syria, we worked very closely together. After prohibited weapons were used against the population by the regime of Bashar al-Assad
two weeks ago, the United States and France together with the United Kingdom acted to destroy chemical facilities and to restore the credibility
of the international community. This action was one of the best evidence of this strong militarism.
And I want to pay special tribute for our soldiers because they did a very great job in this region and in this occasion. Beyond this action, we will
together work for humanitarian solution on the short-term on the ground and contribute actively to a lasting political solution to put an end to this
tragic conflict. And I think one of the very important decisions we took together with President Trump was precisely to include Syria in this large
framework for the overall region. And decide to work together on this political deal for Syria, for the Syrian people, even after our war against
ISIS.
In Sahel where terrorist networks span a footprint as large as Europe, French and American soldiers are confronting the same enemy and risking
their lives together. Here, I would like to pay special tribute to the American soldiers who fell this past fall in the region and to the French
comrades who lost their lives earlier this year in Mali. Better than anyone, I think, our troops know what the alliance and friendship between
our countries means.
I believe facing all these challenges, all these fears, all this anger, our duty, our destiny is to work together and to build this new strong
militarism. Distinguished members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen, on April 25, 1960, General de Gaulle affirmed in this chamber that nothing was
as important to France as the reason, the resolution, the friendship of the great people of the United States.
58 years later to this very day, I come here to convey the warmest feelings of the French nation and to tell you that our people cherish the friendship
of the American people with as much intensity as ever. The United States and the American people are an essential part of our confidence in the
future, in democracy, in what women and men can accomplish in this world when we are driven by high ideals and an unbreakable trust in humanity and
progress.
Today, the call we hear is the call of history. This is a time of determination and courage. What we cherish is at stake. What we love is
in danger. We have no choice but to prevail, and together we shall prevail.
[11:40:00] Vive l'amitie de l'Amerique. Long live the friendship between France and the United States of America. Vive le public, vive la France,
vive l'amitie (ph), mercie.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST: Two nations rooted in the same soil, grounded in the same ideals, held together by unbreakable bonds. I'm Becky Anderson.
You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. And we have been watching French President, Emmanuel Macron, address a joint meeting of Congress. Stressing
the special relationship between his country and the United States.
Lawmakers gave Mr. Macron a standing ovation when he entered the chamber. His speech on Capitol Hill was the first by a French leader in a decade.
And comes just after a state dinner last night with President Donald Trump. President Macron Says the strong friendship between the U.S. and France
will allow for common ground in confronting tough global challenges.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MACRON: our objective is clearer. Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons. Not now, not in five years, not in 10 years, never.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: As we just heard, Iran, Iran, Iran. It's been a huge topic of the French Presidents very important trip to America. Ever since -- 24
hours ago, he pulled up to the White House, since then it has been in conversation, consideration and concern through the last day since those
scenes we have seen a lot of spin from every side.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MACRON (through translator): It's not about tearing apart an agreement and have nothing but it's about building something new that will cover all of
our concerns.
UNIDENTIFIED IRANIAN OFFICIAL: They say that with a certain leader of a European country, we want to make a decision about a seven-sided agreement.
For what? For what right?
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think we will have a great shot at doing a much bigger maybe deal and maybe not deal.
UNIDENTIFIED IRANIAN OFFICIAL: Well, if it is a very bad deal, then why did you sign it?
TRUMP: It was a terrible deal. It never ever, ever been made.
UNIDENTIFIED IRANIAN OFFICIAL: How can a businessman, a real estate dealer and a real estate developer decide on global issues?
TRUMP: There is a chance -- and nobody knows what I am going to do on the 12th, but we will see. But will see also if I do what some people expect.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: May 12th, the Trump deadline to fix or nix that deal, as he calls it. That is the politics, then. Let's put that aside though for a
moment. Why? Well, this is CNN and here it is facts first. So, let's lay some out.
Fact one. Everybody calls it the Iran nuclear deal. It isn't. It's the JCPOA -- its full name. The joint comprehensive Plan of Action, taking
years to even eek that out, just a plan of action.
Fact two. France and America can't just re-write it. There are lots of other big players. Germany, Russia, Britain, China and the EU and of
course Iran itself.
[11:45:00] Fact three. It's working, at least according to the U.N. that is, which has satisfied compliance for more than two years now.
Fact four. CONNECT THE WORLD does what it says on the box. We are everywhere you need to be on this story. Cyril Vanier, outside the U.S.
Capitol where we just heard that speech. Jeremy Diamond is in Washington. Melissa Bell is in Paris. And Amir Daftari is in Tehran.
First up, then let's get you right to the American capitol. Cyril, hailing what he calls a very special relationship France has with the U.S., the
French President just finished what was a 50-minute speech on the floor of Congress. He talked about free trade, multilateralism, the principles of
democracy into rapturous applause from the floor. He said we must make our planet great again. And he talked Iran. He said our objective is clear,
it mustn't possess any nuclear weapons, never. But this policy should never lead us to war in the Middle East, we must respect the sovereign
nations, including Iran. Let us not replicate past mistakes in the region.
My guess is that there is one man, who if he were watching that speech, would not have been particularly pleased with what he was hearing, and that
would have been Macron's chum for the last 24 hours, the U.S. President, Donald Trump.
CYRIL VANIER, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, Becky, your guess is as good as mine, but I would agree with that hypothesis. Look, it is difficult not to see this
speech as a withering criticism of everything Mr. Trump stands for. And it wasn't just the Iran deal. It was Iran, but not just that. On trade, on
environment, on multilateralism versus unilateralism. Everything you can think of that Mr. Trump stands for Mr. Macron stood and addressed a joint
session of Congress and explained that, yes, he may agree with the diagnosis in many instances, but he 100 percent disagrees with Mr. Trump's
policy prescriptions.
He didn't say Mr. Trump's name, but it is impossible to read what he says in any other way. I mean, let's just take a couple of examples. On the
environment, he said we should actually listen to what science is telling us. This when you know that the Trump administration has been criticized
for pain short thrift to scientific data on global warming. Mr. Macron trolling, as you pointed out, Mr. Trump saying, let's make the planet great
again.
Pointing out that wanting to protect current industries at the expense of future industries and future generations just makes no sense. You know,
and that's just one topic.
You mentioned Iran. There was also trade. Mr. Macron mentioning, look, I agree with you that global capitalism has actually been sometimes to the
detriment of some working-class and middle-class communities, but trade wars are not the answer. Tariffs are not the answer. Because they're
going to increase prices and hurt the middle-class. So, down the line issue after issue he was 180 degrees opposite Donald Trump on all of these
policy issues.
And you have to wonder, Becky -- I just want to put this in -- you have to wonder because we know that Mr. Macron was re-writing and working his
speech to the last minute, you have to wonder whether he really took off the gloves because Mr. Trump paid such a short shrift to his, Mr. Macron's
policy recommendations yesterday.
ANDERSON: Very, very good point. Cyril, thank you for that. Cyril is in Washington as I said. Our reporters are standing by. I'm going to take a
very short break. Back to all of you after this.
[11:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi. It's 10 to 8 here. We have a lot of news for you. I want to get back to our global
team. We've just been listening to what was a 50-minute address by the French President to the U.S. lawmaker in Congress. Cyril Vanier is outside
the U.S. capital. Jeremy Diamond in Washington. Melissa Bell is in Paris, and Amir Daftari is in Tehran.
Let's get you to the Iranian capital then and to Amir. Amir, we heard the French President say Iran shall not possess any nuclear weapons, not now,
not in five years, never, he said, and he said it like that. But this policy should never lead us to war in the Middle East. Amir, if the deal
breaks down -- and let's remind ourselves, quite frankly, this is actually not for the French President and the U.S. President to be renegotiating,
it's a multilateral deal. But be that as it may, if it breaks down it's every man for itself. With that in mind, take a listen to Iran's foreign
minister, and a response from the American president.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JAVAD ZARIF, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: Those options are ready, including options that would involve resuming at a much greater speed our nuclear
activities.
TRUMP: You could mark it down. They restart their nuclear program they will have bigger problems than they ever had before.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Not clear what those would be. But Amir, the nuclear option would be a drastic option obviously. What are the other options that
Tehran might decide to go after, if any?
AMIR DAFTARI, CNN SENIOR PRODUCER: That's a very good question, Becky, and one that many are trying to answer. As you say, a lot of tough talk for
now. President Hossein Rouhani also talking about severe consequences. But what they may be, he hasn't gone into much detail. The Iranian's have
also been talking about ramping up the nuclear activity if in case the U.S. does walk away. But again, very light on details.
At the end of the day, the Iranians want to stick to the deal they signed. They say it's all or nothing. And nothing devised by the U.S. or France
will change that. No new terms. In fact, you know, the Iranians say what about the other countries? What about Germany and Russia and China? In
fact, Germany and Russia has also said they want to stick to the current deal.
So, the Iranian's they could, for example, if the Europeans agree on a consensus, just go with the Europeans or they could ditch the whole deal
altogether. You know, for them they've stuck to their end of the bargain. I think they'll be encouraged by what President Macron had to say, because
obviously, France in the U.S. aren't exactly on the same page yet, and their banking on that. So, Iran is probably going to take a wait and see
approach and see what the new terms may be and then come to some sort of conclusion -- Becky.
ANDERSON: We must respect the sovereignty of nations including that of Iran. Macron said let us not replicate past mistake in the region. There
is an existing framework, he said, to control nuclear activity in Iran. We signed it at the initiative of the United States. That is why, he said, we
cannot say we should get rid of it and we should not abandon it unless we have something more substantial instead. Thank you, Amir.
Melissa, you're in Paris. It's fix it or nix it time for the American president. That is May 12. These are the fixes the French President came
to offer. We just heard him offer them again in Congress. Four pillars of changes.
[11:55:00] One, curbing Iran's nuclear work for seven more years. Two, blocking it into the long-term. Three, preventing it working on missiles.
And four, pushing a runaway from what many see as his regional meddling. Melissa, Macron offering himself as some kind of European interlocker here.
How is this playing back home in Europe and beyond?
MELISSA BELL, CNN PARIS CORRESPONDENT: Well, he does seem to be going pretty far on the face of it, Becky, in President Trump's direction there,
and yet perhaps there's something of a fudge going on here. We know that American and European diplomats have been working on some sort of an
agreement over the course of the last few weeks. We expect that that is to be published next week. We believe -- we have believed so far that it
would be some sort of agreement between the United States, Germany, France, and Great Britain. On things like what happens beyond 2025. There is a
series of commitments about their intent to prevent Tehran getting nuclear weapons beyond that.
In fact, what they're working on appears to be much broader than that. As you said, not only in terms of its inclusion of those four pillars, but
also in terms of who would sign it. Emmanuel Macron is looking at countries like Turkey, as well as those original signatures of the deal.
So, it is possible, Becky, and I am speculating here, that what we are going to hear next week when we get the detail of this, is the idea that
let's leave this deal in place but look at a wider regional attempt at ensuring long-term Middle East peace.
ANDERSON: Melissa is in Paris for you. Thanks, Melissa. Jeremy, if you are ever walking down the street in Washington and you think, well, you got
something on your shoulder, you know where to go. Let's just replay for our viewers what was a pretty classic moment yesterday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: The Iran deal, and I know the President wants to speak to me about that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: And you know what, that's technology for you, right? Well, we have seen them playing around, touching each other a lot. But something
Mr. Trump won't grab a hold of. Mr. Macron's ideas on Iran, Syria, the climate. Are we seeing the Trump we know on this trip? Or one perhaps
more succumbing to the French charm tour de force?
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, it's interesting, we'll have to watch and see how it plays out after the French President's speech
today. Yesterday what we saw was the charm offensive between these two men, particularly the French President signaling to the President, you
know, that he was trying to work towards his own understanding that the Iran deal is not perfect. Understanding that changes need to be made or a
new agreement perhaps needs to be forged.
Today we saw the French President really laying out those difference. Those very substantive policy differences that exist between these two men.
And that may not be something that the American President takes to very well. So, we'll have to wait and see how he reacts to all of that.
But I do think it's interesting on the Iran deal, you know, rather than creating a new deal, it seems like rather than adjusting the current deal,
it seems like they want to create a new deal, one that would help alter from earlier.
ANDERSON: The first joint plan of action, as it's known, it took some years to eke out. So, watch this space. To all of you, thank you.
I am Becky Anderson working with a team here in Abu Dhabi and those who work with us around the world. That is CONNECT THE WORLD. Thank you for
watching.
END
