Submarine crisis: Boris Johnson wants to “re-establish cooperation between France and the United Kingdom” – archyde

The British Prime Minister is trying to reduce tensions. Boris Johnson proposed, Friday, September 24, to Emmanuel Macron to “Restore cooperation between France and the United Kingdom” after the diplomatic crisis of the submarines, reported the Elysee after a meeting between the two leaders.

During this telephone exchange which took place in the morning ” on demand “ from London, Mr Johnson “Expressed its intention to re-establish cooperation (…) in line with our values ​​and our common interests (climate, Indo-Pacific, fight against terrorism, etc.). The President of the Republic replied that he was awaiting his proposals “, continues the brief press release from the French Presidency.

This interview was held two days after an exchange between MM. Macron and Biden which made it possible to restore ” trust ” between Paris and Washington after the announcement, on September 15, of a strategic partnership between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, which resulted in the cancellation of a mega-contract for the sale of sub – French sailors in Canberra.

The recall of the French ambassador to London deemed unnecessary

Mr. Macron has ruled that the French Ambassador to the United States, Philippe Etienne, will return to Washington next week, while no decision has yet been announced on the return of the French Ambassador to Australia, he also recalled to Paris.

On the other hand, the recall of the French ambassador to London was deemed unnecessary, because, according to the head of diplomacy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, “Great Britain in this affair is all the same a bit like the fifth wheel of the coach”. “We know permanent opportunism” the British, added the French minister on September 19.

Sign of his discontent, Paris had also canceled a meeting scheduled this week between the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, and her British counterpart, Ben Wallace.

The Aukus security pact is “not exclusive”

Boris Johnson on Wednesday called on France to pull itself together by asking him, in Frenglish: “Take a grip about this and give me a break,” in other words, “Calm down and let me go. “ He assured that the Aukus security pact, concluded between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom in the Indo-Pacific zone, was not “Not exclusive” and that was not trying “Not to exclude anyone”.

In recent months, bilateral relations have also suffered greatly from the tensions arising from the implementation of Brexit, in particular in fishing, and from the control, deemed insufficient by London, of migrants trying to reach England from the northern coasts of France.