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Sarkozy applauded by US Congress Sarkozy applauded by US Congress
(20 minutes later)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has received a standing ovation from US lawmakers during an address to a joint session of the US Congress. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has told the US Congress it can count on France's support against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iran's nuclear plan.
It was the first time for more than a decade that a French president spoke to both houses. He received a standing ovation during the first address by a French president to both houses in more than a decade.
The French leader, who is on his first official visit to Washington, will also hold talks with US President George W Bush at Mount Vernon, near Washington. The French leader, who is on his first official visit to Washington, will later hold talks with President George Bush at Mount Vernon, near Washington.
They are expected to discuss Iraq, Iran and other Middle Eastern issues.They are expected to discuss Iraq, Iran and other Middle Eastern issues.
In his address to Congress, Mr Sarkozy drew applause from lawmakers when he stressed: "France is the friend of the United States of America." In his address through a translator to Congress, Mr Sarkozy drew applause from lawmakers when he stressed: "France is the friend of the United States of America."
In times of difficulty, in times of hardship, America and France have always stood side by side, supported one another, helped one another, fought for each other's freedom Nicolas Sarkozy First day in pictures US warms to new flavour Send us your commentsIn times of difficulty, in times of hardship, America and France have always stood side by side, supported one another, helped one another, fought for each other's freedom Nicolas Sarkozy First day in pictures US warms to new flavour Send us your comments
The speech came one day after the French leader pledged to "reconquer America's heart" as he began his warmly-received visit. He also assured his audience: "Let me tell you solemnly today, France will remain engaged in Afghanistan as long as it takes, because what's at stake in that country is the future of our values and that of the Atlantic alliance."
Mr Sarkozy added: "Let me say it here before all of you: The prospect of an Iran armed with nuclear weapons is unacceptable."
The US believes Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons but Tehran insists its nuclear programme is for energy purposes.
Mr Sarkozy's speech came one day after the French leader pledged to "reconquer America's heart" as he began his warmly-received visit.
Relations between the two countries were strained when France opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.Relations between the two countries were strained when France opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
But Mr Sarkozy drew applause on Wednesday when he told US lawmakers: "In times of difficulty, in times of hardship, America and France have always stood side by side, supported one another, helped one another, fought for each other's freedom."But Mr Sarkozy drew applause on Wednesday when he told US lawmakers: "In times of difficulty, in times of hardship, America and France have always stood side by side, supported one another, helped one another, fought for each other's freedom."
Mr Sarkozy, who spent the afternoon with Mr Bush while on holiday in New England in August, is widely known back in France as "l'Americain" for his pledges to improve transatlantic ties. The French leader, who spent the afternoon with Mr Bush while on holiday in New England in August, is widely known back in France as "l'Americain" for his pledges to improve transatlantic ties.
Elected in May, Mr Sarkozy is viewed on Capitol Hill as much more pro-American than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac. Elected in May, he is viewed on Capitol Hill as much more pro-American than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.
President Sarkozy assured the US it could count on France
In 1996, many US lawmakers boycotted an appearance by Mr Chirac at the US Congress to protest against France's nuclear testing in the South Pacific.In 1996, many US lawmakers boycotted an appearance by Mr Chirac at the US Congress to protest against France's nuclear testing in the South Pacific.
Mr Sarkozy spoke warmly of French-US relations in a toast to Mr Bush
On Tuesday, at a White House dinner with Mr Bush, Mr Sarkozy said differences over Iraq should not weaken the alliance between the two countries and Mr Bush agreed.On Tuesday, at a White House dinner with Mr Bush, Mr Sarkozy said differences over Iraq should not weaken the alliance between the two countries and Mr Bush agreed.
Mr Sarkozy also paid homage to US troops who had helped liberate France during World War II. Mr Bush brushed aside past differences with France and said their countries were working together to solve conflicts around the world.
At the White House dinner Mr Bush brushed aside past differences with France and said their countries were working together to solve conflicts around the world.
Correspondents say the Bush administration increasingly sees Mr Sarkozy as its principal ally in efforts to halt Iran's nuclear programme.Correspondents say the Bush administration increasingly sees Mr Sarkozy as its principal ally in efforts to halt Iran's nuclear programme.