UK: LONDON: FRENCH PRESIDENT CHIRAC SPEECH TO BRITISH PARLIAMENT

(15 May 1996) Eng/French/Nat

French President Jacques Chirac has urged Britain to sign up to the European single currency.

In a speech to both houses of the British Parliament, Chirac also called for Britain to play a full part in the future of Europe.

Earlier the French leader held talks with Prime Minister John Major - when the two leaders discussed the beef crisis.

On the second day of his state visit to Britain, France's President, Jacques Chirac was at Downing Street for talks with British Prime Minister John Major.

The two discussed a whole range of issues, but with the E-U vets meeting in Brussels discussing the B-S-E crisis, the ban on sales of British beef was still top of the agenda.

Meeting reporters after the talks Mr Chirac voiced his support for the British government's efforts in getting a partial lifting of the ban.

Major meanwhile refused to be drawn on what steps Britain would take if the ban is not lifted.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Well we must hope firstly, that it is eased today, we see no scientific reason for it not to be eased today, and if it were not to be eased today I think we would need to examine precisely why not and how that matter would proceed, but I think before I say more about that we had better wait and see what happens today".
SUPER CAPTION: John Major - British Prime Minister

Major said their discussions had been "extremely productive".

The two leaders had also discussed the Inter-Governmental conference, single currency and military questions.

Next, the French President joined the ranks of the distinguished few who've addressed both Houses of the British Parliament.

Chirac said Britain was a key member of the European Union and hoped it would play an even wider role in the future.

The French President made a direct appeal to Britain not to exercise its right to opt out of the European single currency.

France is one of the most enthusiastic supporters of European monetary union and in his keynote speech, Chirac made it clear that his country is determined to sign up in 1999.

SOUNDBITE: (French)

Translation: "The single currency must be the other big currency of the future. France will be there when monetary union goes ahead and I reaffirm my determination to stick to the timetable already set out. The Maastricht Treaty gave you full liberty to determine your level of commitment. I am convinced that when the time comes you will weigh up the disadvantages but also the advantages which it offers. France for its part, hopes that you will be there if you feel it is worthwhile for Great Britain in the context of this great [European] undertaking".

SUPER CAPTION: Jacques Chirac - French President

Chirac referred to the beef crisis which has added to anti-European feeling in Britain.

He said it was a problem that could not be resolved without Europe and assured Britain of France's backing in finding a solution.

Chirac, who was served beef at a Buckingham Palace lunch, is sympathetic to Britain's plight.

SOUNDBITE: (French)

Translation: "Finally I would like to refer to the catastrophe, for England and for Europe, that is the epidemic affecting your bovine livestock. This is a problem which concerns the whole of Europe, a problem which needs the solidarity of Europe as discussed at great length between myself and the prime minister this morning, and I can tell you, as I did at the press conference immediately following our meeting, that you have France's solidarity and support on this issue".
SUPER CAPTION: Jacques Chirac - French President
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