Bush to attend D-Day ceremony in France

WASHINGTON, March 19 (AFP) – US President George W. Bush will attend June 6 ceremonies to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the allied landing in Normandy in World War II, the White House said Friday.

Bush confirmed his presence at the ceremonies with the leaders of other countries in the anti-Nazi alliance during a telephone conversation with France’s President Jacques Chirac, presidential spokesman Scott McClellan said.

“President Bush confirmed that he looks forward to attending the 60th anniversary of D-Day celebrations in Normandy,” McClellan said.

The two leaders also discussed the fight against terrorism, he added.Bush thanked Chirac for his “strong statement” against terrorism following the Madrid bombings on March 11 that left 202 dead.

“President Chirac expressed that France shares our commitment to showing strength and resolve in the fight against terrorism,” McClellan said.

The US leader also highlighted the need to lighten Iraq’s foreign debt burden, he said.

McClellan declined to say whether Bush will visit Paris during his trip.French-American relations cooled after Chirac vehemently opposed Bush’s decision to invade Iraq last year.

Chirac’s spokeswoman Catherine Colonna said in Paris: “The president of the republic is happy that President Bush will be present at the ceremonies for the 60th anniversary of the allied landings.”

Bush last visited France in June 2003, when he attended the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Evian, France.

© AFP

                                                              Subject: France news