http://www.ambafrance-us.org http://www.france.diplomatie.fr

VOL. 03.14 DECEMBER 23, 2003

A triweekly review of French news and trends Online at: www.ambafrance-us.org/publi/nff "Transatlantic Dialogue USA-France-Germany" INSIDE New exchange and cooperation program will lead to renewed links between the three nations 2 L’événement France - U.K. Entente N DECEMBER 12, French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, The main goal of the new "USA-France-Germany" Cordiale Reasserted German Ambassador program is to encourage and 3 France-Amérique Wolfgang Ischinger reinforce transatlantic debate Air France, Red Cross and Secretary and discourse and to improve Combat Measles OGeneral of the Franco-German understanding among the Youth Office (FGYO) Babette three nations. A number of tri- 4 Profil Nieder announced at a press lateral educational seminars in France conference in the National Press and conferences will be orga- Économie Club (Washington, D.C.) the nized in the spring of 2004, 5 launch of a French-German- involving students and schol- Attracting Business American program designed to ars from universities in the 6 Société promote friendships and edu- United States and Germany. Record Telethon cational exchanges among Additionally, the Franco- French, German and American German Youth Office will 7 Culture youths. The FGYO was created establish a program of "Travel Lille Euro Capital of in 1963 under the terms of the From left to right:Daniel Hamilton, executive director of and Project Grants," support- Culture 2004 Elysee Treaty for the purpose of John Hopkins University’s E.U. Center, German Ambassador ed by private-public partner- 8 Chez nous Wolfgang Ischinger, French Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, promoting reconciliation ships and foundation dona- Festival of France in between the French and Peter Hickman, vice-chairman of the National Press Club, tions, to enable Americans to Washington, D.C. German nations. Since then, it and Babette Nieder, secretary general of the participate in Franco-German has been a platform for projects Franco-German Youth Office. youth seminars in Europe and (Courtesy:Alan E. Porter, ASAP Worldwide Productions) and exchanges in many differ- to permit French and German ent areas (education, business, athletics, etc…) and it enables 200,000 young youths to do the same in the United States. people to take part in over 7,000 exchange programs annually. For more information, visit www.ofaj.org. l l

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE Baker Meets Chirac for Iraqi Debt AUX ETATS-UNIS France and U.S. are on the same wavelength regarding the cancellation of Iraqi debt

RESIDENT OF THE IRAQI Governing Council Abdel- FORMER FRENCH PRESIDENT “IMMORTALIZED” Aziz al-Hakim met with French Foreign Minister Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 78, was elected on December 11 as one of the 40 members of Dominique de Villepin in on December 15 in order the Académie Française, the oldest institution in France, created in 1635 by Cardinal P Richelieu in an effort to standardize the French to discuss the situation in Iraq. During a joint press briefing, language by maintaining consistent rules of Villepin declared that the French Government is prepared to spelling, grammar, and rhetoric. cancel or renegotiate Iraq’s debts with France, which amount to approximately $3 billion. "Through the Paris Club framework, The 40 members of the Academy are known as the "immortals," as members are elected for life. France, together with other creditors, believes that an agreement The membership has traditionally included promi- could be reached in 2004, if the requisite conditions are met," nent figures from a wide range of fields, from explained Villepin. poets and philosophers to scientists, politicians, The following day, on December 16, U.S. Special Envoy and clergymen. Giscard d'Estaing, who will be James Baker called on President Jacques Chirac in Paris to fur- taking the seat left vacant by late Senegalese ther discuss the possible cancellation of Iraqi debt. Following president and author Léopold Sédar Senghor, will their meeting, a joint declaration was released by France, join the ranks of such distinguished former mem- Germany and the United States reading: bers as Victor Hugo, Jean Racine, Voltaire, and “Debt reduction is critical if the Iraqi people are to have a Claude Lévi-Strauss. chance to build a free and prosperous Iraq. Therefore, France, The work of the French Academy has chiefly con- Germany and the United States agree that there should be sub- sisted in the preparation and revision of a dictio- stantial debt reduction for Iraq in the Paris Club in 2004, and nary (1st ed. 1694, 9th ed. 1992-). In light of the The Académie Française will work closely with each other and with other countries to globalization of recent years, the Academy has also (Courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) had the task of deciding which foreign words achieve this objective. The exact percentage of debt reduction is should enter the French dictionary. It is responsible subject to future agreement between the parties.” l l for awarding some 60 major literary prizes each year. 1 En bref current events L’ÉVÉNEMENT E.U. ENLARGEMENT MAS- SIVELY BACKED BY FRANCE On November 26, the Athens treaty, which enlarges the European Union to include 10 new members, was rati- Chirac Proposes Law to Uphold Secularism fied by 505 representatives of the French National Assembly, with only 3 N DECEMBER 17, following a report by the Chirac also endorsed several other of the Bernard Stasi voting against. On December 10, the Bernard Stasi Commission, French President Jacques Commission’s proposals, including further efforts by the gov- Senate also voted overwhelmingly for Chirac made an important speech supporting a law ernment to renovate deprived urban areas, the establishment enlargement, by 287 to 1. French banning the display and wearing of ostensible reli- early next year of an independent commission to fight against Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin Ogious symbols in public schools. Chirac expressed his desire all forms of discrimination, the stepping up of the fight against told the Assembly that this was "a that such a law "be adopted and put into effect by the National xenophobia, racism and anti-Semitism, and the inclusion of historical date for France, a day when Assembly by September." He affirmed, however, that smaller, lessons on different world religions in school syllabuses. Europe will reunite." He also called for a "national mobilization" to help more discreet religious emblems should not be proscribed. This decision is founded on France's historic attachment to build a new, enlarged Europe. Secularism is an essential part of the French national her- the principles of republicanism, secularism and equality. Far itage, and has become even more necessary in the light of the from being a form of religious oppression or discrimination, it FRANCE LEADS INTERNA- increasing cultural diversity of modern French society. stems from a strong secular tradition dating from the 1905 TIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE Prohibiting overt religious symbols in schools is in total accor- "Concordat Act" that separated church and state. According to Three thousand soldiers from Canada, dance with the principles of separation between religion and this 1905 law, freedom of worship in France is an inviolable right, Morocco and nine European nations, state, between public and private matters. Such symbols would however "the state neither recognizes nor subsidizes any reli- participated in a military exercise in Sisson, Picardy, from November 24 to of course continue to be allowed elsewhere, but not in public gion." As always in the past, all citizens are free to believe in and December 5. The troops involved sim- schools, a domain which the French government feels must practice their respective religions, provided that such religious ulated an invasion of northern France, remain a neutral place to study and an environment free of observance is exercised within the limits of "the laws on security, with all the battles taking place on religious or political tensions. public law and order, and respect for other citizens." l l computer screens. This virtual opera- tion, called "Opera 3T," was orga- nized and led by France, as part of its Entente Cordiale Reasserted plan to set up a rapid-reaction force RENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC and ny in France next June to mark the 60th anniversary of the D- headquarters that could be used by British Prime Minister Tony Blair met in London for Day landings in Normandy. Other initiatives will include a both NATO and the European Union. the 26th Franco-British wide-ranging program of events The new force will have its headquar- F ters in Lille in northern France and will Summit on November 24. The two open to the public. Much of the seek certification from NATO in 2006. leaders expressed their desire to money raised will benefit the make 2004 a year of confiance cor- fight against cancer. For more 120 TERROR SUSPECTS diale, or cordial trust, thus mark- information, please visit: ARRESTED BY FRENCH ing the continuing vitality of their www.entente-cordiale.org. Pierre de Bousquet de Florian, France's nations' friendship. The two governments also director of intelligence, said in a recent Indeed, Chirac and Blair proposed that the European interview that 120 terror group sus- pects have been arrested in France announced their intention to cele- Union develop its rapid reaction since the September 11 attacks brate the centenary of the entente capabilities to enhance its ability against the United States. In particular, cordiale, the friendly understanding to support the United Nations he noted that his services foiled a plot reached in April 1904 to settle long- in short-term crisis manage- to bomb the U.S. Embassy in 2001. standing disputes between the two French President Jacques Chirac and ment situations. In a joint com- Bousquet de Florian, warn- nations. This agreement reconciled British Prime Minister Tony Blair muniqué, Chirac and Blair said ing that France continues to the two former rivals and eventually (Courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) that "the E.U. should be capable be a target for terrorists, led to their alliance during World and willing to deploy coherent also stated "Islamic extrem- War I. Queen Elisabeth II will pay a state visit to France from and credible battle-group sized forces in an autonomous oper- ists include us in their hatred April 5 to 7, 2004, with a return visit by Chirac the following ation within 15 days to respond to a crisis." Both insisted that of the West." autumn. Chirac also invited Blair and the Queen to a ceremo- European Union plans will not undermine NATO. l l AMBASSADOR HONORED AT FESTI- VAL OF LIGHTS Ambassador of France France Fights AIDS and Discrimination Jean-David Levitte was honored as this year's RANCE WILL EXAMINE with its European partners borhoods were depicted covered with condoms. In addition, "host ambassador" for the possibility of combining their research efforts to dis- Chirac announced plans to reinforce the fight against discrim- the 26th annual Festival cover a vaccine against AIDS, President Jacques Chirac ination. On this matter, he expressed his satisfaction with the of Lights held by the F announced on December 1, shortly after the 16th World Day planned creation, in 2004, of a High Commission which will Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in against AIDS. This pooling of resources would be carried out fight discrimination against people suffering from AIDS. Maryland. Before lighting "to complement the research undertaken at the national level," France "shares the World Health Organization's objective the over 400,000 lights declared Chirac, who judged "alarming" the evolution of the to treat three million people in the world by 2005," declared that adorn the grounds, disease in the world. Chirac, who presented this objective as a "first stage." The Levitte spoke about the importance of light as a Explaining that preventing hazardous behaviors, especial- French president exhorted the other countries united in the symbol of hope, men- ly among young people, should be a priority, Chirac asked the fight against AIDS "to take part in this effort" by keeping their tioning that for the minister for national education, Luc Ferry, "to continue his promises of financial help for research and distribution of free French hope is best [communication] efforts" in this field. The city of Paris was medicine to AIDS victims. The funds necessary for such an summed up in the three recently commended for its summer ad campaign promoting operation would amount to $3 billion. France is already com- words of the French national motto: "Liberty, safe sex, in which 13 famous Parisian monuments and neigh- mitted to a contribution of 150 million euros for 2004. l l 2 Equality, Fraternity." France & America FRENCH DESIGN FINALIST FOR WTC MEMORIAL French architect Pierre David's design Air France, American Red Cross for the World Trade Center Memorial, "Garden of Light," was one of eight Unite to Combat Measles finalists, announced on November 19 by the Lower Manhattan Development N DECEMBER 3, Air France signed a three-year increase the visibility of this campaign, Air France will pro- Corporation. David's project includes a agreement with the American Red Cross to help mote the Measles Initiative at various airport ticket counters garden, a private area for the victims' the U.S.-based agency carry out its Measles throughout the United States. families, and a room filled with lights, Initiative. Launched in 2001, this initiative repre- "We are committed to helping an American institution one for each of the 2,982 victims. It Osents a long-term commitment to control measles in Africa like the Red Cross by assisting them with their transporta- was selected among 5,201 submissions by vaccinating 200 million children and thus preventing 1.2 tion needs," Marie-Joseph Male, vice-president and gener- from 63 nations and 49 states, in what was the largest design competition in million deaths over the next five years. al manager of Air France USA, declared. "The American history. The 13-member jury will choose As part of the partnership, Air France agreed to provide Red Cross is proud of our partnership with Air France. a finalist by the end of the year. For transportation to several African countries for volunteers of Because of their generous donation of tickets and their more information, please visit the American Red Cross who participate in the measles vac- efforts to educate customers about the tragedy of measles, www.wtcsitememorial.org. cination campaign. The agreement would also allow mem- we can now share firsthand our life-saving efforts with bers of the airline's frequent-flier program to donate miles American youth and our advocates around the country," PARIS AND D.C. MAYORS MEET for tickets that would support the American Red Cross's added Gerry Jones, American Red Cross's vice-president On November 21, Bertrand Delanoë, international programs, including the Measles Initiative. To for international services. l l mayor of Paris, and Anthony Williams, mayor of Washington, D.C., met at Paris's Hôtel de Ville to discuss economic development and cultural exchanges Louisiana Purchase Re-Enacted between the two sister cities. The two cities share many similarities (indeed, a O COMMEMORATE the bicentennial of the This treaty transformed French architect, Pierre L'Enfant, Louisiana Purchase, the Louisiana State Museum in America overnight from a designed Washington's master plan) and New Orleans fledgling country to a formidable nation, effectively doubling so they have much to learn from each T other. Delanoë promised to return hosted a re-enactment of its size and permitting western expansion. This territory the historic land acquisi- would eventually be segmented into all or part of 15 Williams's visit before May 2004. tion on December 20, American states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, FRANCE AND CANADA 2003, exactly 200 years Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New LAUNCH WEB SITE after the original pur- Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and France and Canada announced the chase. Touted by some as Wyoming. launch of a Web site devoted to the the most significant real The re-enactment of the signing of the Franco-American French presence in North America estate transaction in his- agreement was performed in the Sala Capitular of the Cabildo, throughout the 1608-1759 period. "La tory, the Louisiana the room in which the transfer of territory actually took place. Nouvelle France" makes 22,000 docu- Purchase was negotiated Depicted by Swedish artist Thure de Thulstrup in his oil paint- ments available online. According to Ian E. Wilson, a national archivist for by President Thomas ing "Hoisting American Colors, Louisiana Cession, 1803," the Canada, "It is a unique resource that is Jefferson and First raising of the American flag was acted out in Jackson Square in not only dedicated to sharing the rich- Consul Napoléon front of the Cabildo. The ceremony included 20 French, "Hoisting American Colors, ness of French history but also to help us Bonaparte, and resulted Louisiana Cession, 1803,” American and Spanish soldiers in period dress with a flag party understand the determination in the transfer of over Thure de Thulstrup of four officers, civilians and a drum corps. Jean-Louis Debré, and cleverness of our ancestors." 800,000 square miles of (Courtesy: Louisiana State Museum / president of France’s National Assembly, and U.S. Interior The site, "Nouvelle-France, land from France to the Louisiana Historical Society) Secretary Gale Norton attended the ceremony. Horizons Nouveaux," can be U.S. for $15 million. Please visit www.louisiana.culture.fr for more details. l l consulted at www.archives- canadafrance.org. "The Triplets of Belleville" Delights American Film Critics AMERICAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS ILM CRITICS had nothing but praise for Sylvain tion to being a success at the box office during its run in CULTURAL AWARD Chomet's animated film, "The Triplets of Belleville," France. Chomet was nominated for an Academy Award in Terrie Sultan, of the University which had its U.S. premier on 1998 for the animated short film, of Houston's Blaffer Gallery, was F named a Chevalier of the Order November 26 in Los Angeles and New "The Old Lady and the Pigeons." York City. The Los Angeles Times "The Triplets of Belleville" tells the of Arts and Letters, one of France's most prestigious cultur- proclaimed that "'Belleville' delights story of Madame Souza, your typical al distinctions, on December 2. in the dazzling eccentricity of its good-natured grandma, who adopts "I am so honored and excited," uninhibited imagination," whereas and raises her grandson, Champion. It said Sultan. "French culture has the New York Times described it as is through her gift of a tricycle that been a deep and abiding inter- "the oddest movie of the year, by Champion realizes his love for cycling, est of mine since childhood. I'm turns sweet and sinister … invitingly which ultimately leads him to become very proud of this recognition." funny and forbiddingly dark. It may A scene from the “Triplets of Belleville” a contender in the Tour de France in Created in 1957, the award is also be one of the best, a tour de force (Courtesy: Sony Pictures Classic) his adulthood. However, Champion is given twice every year to indi- of ink-washed, cross-hatched mis- kidnapped, moving Madame Souza to viduals from all over the world chief and unlikely sublimity." go on a grand quest to find her grandson. Her journey (by pad- who have excelled in the arts or literature. Before moving to There has been a great deal of anticipation for "The dle boat) leads her to the marvelous city of Belleville: a city Houston, Sultan worked for the Triplets of Belleville" in the United States. The film was a very evocative of Manhattan that Chomet paints with endearing Corcoran Gallery of Art in popular selection at this year's Cannes Film Festival, in addi- characters and tongue-in-cheek stereotypes. l l Washington, D.C. 3 In Depth Review PROFIL Christmas in France A 1,500-Year History HRISTMAS IN FRANCE, better known to the between 1316-1334, in Avignon. But it was not until the 16th French as Noël, is almost as old as the country itself, century that the making of crèches became a widespread cus- with a history that goes back more than 1,500 years. tom. Today, each family in each region has their own particular The historical significance dates back to the year 496 way of presenting the crèche, which is usually put on display in CAD when Clovis, King of the Franks, and 3,000 of his warriors an important part of the house. In Provence, little terra-cotta were converted and baptized into the Christian faith on figures known as "santons," or little saints, are placed around December 25 in Reims. The date was chosen by Bishop Rémi the manger, which is decorated with sticks, moss and rocks that so that the "rebirth" of King Clovis and his the children have collected, to represent the Christmas decorations on display at men corresponded to the day when holy family and the other characters of the the Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik Christians everywhere celebrate the birth Nativity. Sometimes, these same figurines (Courtesy: Strasbourg Tourist Office) of Jesus. Other historical events that took also represent townspeople such as mayors, place during Christmas Day, such as policemen, butchers, bakers and farmers. Charlemagne's crowning by Pope Leo III In the stable is the reproduction of the Alsace: Christmas in the year 800, helped to make Christmas famous birth of Baby Jesus (whose figurine Market Extravaganza both a secular and a religious event in traditionally only makes its appearance, France. logically enough, on Christmas Day). ERTAIN FRENCH REGIONS Many of the that Sentons de Noël As with children in America, children Chave very old Christmas traditions. we so cherish today have been practiced in (Courtesy: Strasbourg Tourist Office) in France, whether from religious or non The first appeared in France for many hundreds of years. religious families, anxiously await the France in 1605, in the city of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, for instance, became in 1605 the first French city to arrival of le Père Noël, or (better known to and Avignon (inspired by Saint Francis of feature a fir tree as the holy tree of Christmas. The tree, which Americans as ). Père Noël, like his American coun- Assis) first introduced the manger, or symbolized the tree in the Garden of Eden, was decorated with terpart, has a fluffy white beard, a long red robe, and a pair of crèche, to the country during the early artificial roses, apples, sugar, and painted hosts. In the middle of wooden shoes. Before going to bed on , while 1300s. Since 1802, Marseilles has held a the 17th century, the tree was lit for the first time by hanging the parents attend midnight mass at their local cathedral or "Foire aux Santons" in which all kinds of candles on its branches. It was not until early in the 20th cen- church, the children of France leave their shoes by the fireplace nativity figures can be found, and Paris has tury that the first electric lights appeared on Christmas. with the hope of finding goodies stuffed in them on Christmas long decorated the Champs-Elysées with Another custom that has deep historical roots in France is morning. its lumières de Noël (). that of the manger, better known in France as "la crèche." In a country where all of these rich traditions and festivi- But the most famous French Indeed, the word manger is derived from the French for "to ties have existed for centuries and have a deep historical sig- Christmas traditions are without a doubt eat." Although mangers had been represented in churches and nificance, it is no wonder that France is a favorite holiday des- those of the Alsace region. Cities such as cathedrals since the 12th century, the popular manger was first tination for all those who are searching for the roots of their Strasbourg, Colmar and Nancy, with their introduced in France by the Saint Francis of Assisi family own Christmas traditions! l l fairy-tale timbered buildings and strong Germanic influences, with their Christmas shops selling orna- French Christmas Cuisine ments and cuckoo clocks, are HE FRENCH CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS season symbolic ritual to go along with it. The most famous dessert is the place to be in December. with many traditional dishes, each delectable and la bûche de Noël (Yule log), a log-shaped, rolled cake often- One can find Christmas mar- Talmost as enticing to the eye as to the palate itself. On times filled with chestnut cream and coated in homemade kets from November to January Christmas Eve (following the Messe de marzipan. Created in the 19th century in almost every city or village in Minuit, or Midnight Mass, for practicing by Parisian pastry chefs, this cake was Alsace, but the most renowned Christians), the appropriately named inspired by a special wood log burned is Strasbourg's, which is visited Réveillon (derived from the verb réveiller, from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day by around 1.5 million people to wake up or revive) is a huge convivial in the Périgord, a practice stemming every year. Strasbourg's family feast. The menu for the meal from an old pagan celebration. In south- "Christkindelsmärik" (or "Baby varies according to region, each one hav- ern France, le pain calendeau is a Jesus market") is now celebrat- ing certain firmly established gastronom- Christmas loaf, part of which is given to ing its 433rd year! Created in ic customs. Dishes ranging from turkey, the poor. Another well-known specialty, 1570 by the city's Protestant capon, goose and chicken to boudin blanc served during la Fête des Rois community, the market spreads (white sausage) are normally served. In A traditional bûche de Noël (Epiphany) on January 6, is La Galette across several streets and Alsace, roast goose is given the place of (Courtesy: Terakoya) des Rois (Twelfth Night cake), a round includes traditional handmade honor on the table, whereas in cake cut into pieces which are handed toy shops, the bredle market Burgundy, turkey garnished with chestnuts is usually the prin- out by a child, known as le petit roi (the little king) or l'enfant (for pastries and cookies) and cipal course. In Brittany, buckwheat cakes with sour cream are soleil (the sun child), who is hiding underneath the table. The the 30-meter-high Christmas common, while in Paris and Ile-de-France, foie gras and oys- "winner," or the child who finds la fève (a hidden charm inside tree in Place Kleber. ters are the crème de la crème. Typical wine choices include the cake), is crowned King or Queen. For more information, Muscadet, Anjou, Sauterne and Champagne. Although taken very seriously as an art, the tantalizing please visit: Throughout the Christmas season, the French keep tradi- French fares of Christmas are always a fun treat to eat as well 4 www.noel-strasbourg.com. l l tion alive with various desserts, each one possessing a story or as to behold. l l CHRISTMAS ARRIVAL Economic News FOR MARS EXPRESS TECHNOLOGIE Europe's scientists are eagerly looking forward to a Christmas treat: their Mars Express spacecraft is expected to reach the red planet on December 25. Welcoming Business to France This vehicle, named Beagle 2, is small- Several new reforms will make France even more attractive to foreign business ventures er, slightly less mobile and more focused on finding possible signs of RENCH PRIME MINISTER Jean-Pierre Raffarin and incentives for research and development spending. Other past life on Mars than its American held an intergovernmental meeting December 11 measures seek to attract foreign researchers to France or to predecessors, the twin NASA rovers. But it is certainly revolutionary, for even devoted to finding new ways to make France more encourage the return of French post-doctorates who have gone with a landed mass of less than 30 attractive to foreign business. He explained that "in a abroad. Raffarin wants to turn France into "the number one kilograms (66.14 pounds), it can still Fcontext of bitter competition between countries to attract young host nation in Europe for foreign students in the fields of sci- perform many types of scientific analy- talents and job-creating investments … [the] reinforcement of ence and economy." ses and collect samples for immediate France's economic appeal constitutes a priority that has to be During the meeting, two initiatives were announced that study on the surface of Mars. taken into account in the government's structural reforms." will help France measure and increase its appeal. A new The government has identified three main priorities: culti- Strategic Council on the economic appeal of France, com- PUBLIC CELL-PHONE CHARGER vating the positive image of France within the cultural and sci- posed of 20 French and foreign CEOs, including former U.S. "Cogib," designed by Lionel Coq and Sébastien Grau, is France's answer to entific communities, strengthening Francophilia among for- ambassador Felix Rohatyn, was created. And a new "balance annoying, impromptu cell-phone bat- eign elites and encouraging the establishment of foreign firms sheet" of France's appeal, which will be regularly updated, tery failures. Permitting on-the-spot in France. Forty initiatives are in the works, many of which have was launched. Its first edition, published by the French recharging for cell phones, palm pilots already been announced, such as a new, more favorable tax sta- Agency for International Investments, ranks France fourth in and laptops, these armored, theft- tus for foreign managers working in France, tax incentives for terms of securing foreign investments, and second in Europe proof terminals restore battery life for foreign film-makers who produce movies on French territory, for its productivity rate. l l about one euro, finish within 20 min- utes and can adapt to 95 percent of all cell-phone brands. Targeting airports, TGV Celebrates One Billion Users train stations, universities and malls, the two entrepreneurs plan to sell about 5,000 prototypes in Europe, N NOVEMBER 28, France's national railroad changed the French." before introducing their product to the company, the SNCF, celebrated a remarkable Owned and operated by the SNCF, the TGV was officially American market in 2006. Oachievement: the trans- inaugurated on September 27, 1981, portation of over one billion passen- when it made its first 260-km/hour MONSIEUR INTELLIGENCE gers on its Train à Grande Vitesse (bet- (162-mph) trip from Paris to Lyon. ECONOMIQUE ter known as the TGV) over 22 years Today, the SNCF runs 660 TGV trains In an attempt to address a perceived dis- of service. Though the one billionth carrying some 200,000 passengers each parity between itself and English-speak- ing countries, France has just created a rider was not specifically identified, day at top speeds of 300 km/hour (186 new governmental position, a Monsieur the SNCF held a contest in honor of mph) across 1,500 km (932 miles) of intelligence économique (economic the historical day. Ten of the best, most special tracks. With the number of rid- intelligence chief), who will soon be original essays of passenger accounts ers increasing each year, the SNCF nominated by French Prime Minister were selected from a large pool of The Thalys TGV linking Paris and Brussels hopes to reach the 2 billion mark by Jean-Pierre Raffarin and who will be in entries, and the winning authors (Courtesy: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) 2010, when it will be transporting pas- charge of coordinating and improving received three pairs of round-trip, sengers at even faster speeds. In 2002, the diffusion of economic intelli- first-class tickets to ride the TGV (within France), Eurostar the TGV brought in 2.8 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of business, gence in France. Such intelli- (Paris-London), and Thalys (Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam- and has since seen a 2 percent increase during the first three gence would include informa- Cologne). The SNCF also held an event at its Paris-Conflans quarters of 2003. The SNCF's upcoming projects include open- tion on contracts, stock mar- kets, the price of raw materials, factory located south of the capital, where its president, Louis ing high-speed lines toward eastern France (Paris-Strasbourg), corporate strategies and the Gallois, said, "The TGV has changed the image of France and and abroad, from Lyon to Turin, Italy. l l launch of new research projects.

FIRST LONG-DISTANCE Airbus Takes Lead in Aircraft Market ULTRASOUND PROBE A robotic probe, developed by a UROPE'S PREMIER AIRCRAFT manu- NEW BUSINESS The A380 will be large enough to allow car- team of engineers from Bourges and maneuvered by Dr. facturer, Airbus, has overtaken its rival Boeing CREATION UP riers to design more passenger-friendly interi- STRONGLY Philippe Arbeille, a professor at for the first time in terms of sales, passing the ors. Some carriers are planning to boast ameni- E France's start-up rate the medical university in Tours, symbolic 51 percent market threshold, up from 18 ties such as casinos, fitness centers, full-scale went up by 14.4 per- conducted the first successful percent eight years ago. Founded in 1970, French- bars, and duty-free shopping areas. Airbus is cent in the past three long-distance ultrasound on a based Airbus is also quickly moving ahead to com- months, suggesting predicting a long-term demand of at least 1,500 patient 5,000 km (3,107 miles) plete a project by 2006 to create the world's largest that the govern- of its super-sized jets and already has 129 away, in Cyprus. From his office passenger aircraft - a $12 billion undertaking that ment's economic orders for the airplane from carriers including in Tours, Dr. Arbeille coordinat- Airbus hopes will secure its position as the domi- reforms, in particular Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, ed the movements of the robot, nant aircraft manufacturer. This new aircraft, the the Dutreil law pro- Lufthansa, Korean Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. nicknamed "Otelo," through A380, will be a super-jumbo jet costing $250 mil- moting entrepre- Fifty percent of all Airbus's work is carried out satellite data transmissions. A joint venture between France, lion, weighing one million pounds, and capable of neurship, are begin- in the United States, in large part by American Italy, Greece and the United carrying up to 800 passengers. ning to take root. sub-contractors. l l Kingdom, this technology promises faster diagnoses for patients in remote areas. 5 Social News NEW "MARIANNE" SOCIETÉ ON FRENCH STAMPS Following the tradition that a new Marianne stamp be issued each presi- Record Amount Raised by Telethon dential term, French Prime Minister Jean- Pierre Raffarin launched an environmen- tally themed design contest for the to Help Afflicted Children stamp's new edition, slated for print pro- RECORD 95.15 MILLION euros were donated with muscular dystrophy (MS). Indeed, as well as raising duction in January 2005. For the first recently to help children who are handicapped or funds, this year's Telethon's main goal was to help people bet- time, all French citizens are invited to the victims of genetic ter understand what MS is and depict France's national symbol, afflictions. The money what its devastating effects are. Marianne, before the March 15, 2004, Awas raised during this year's three- With the help of l'Association deadline. After a pre-selection by region- al juries and a national jury headed by day "France 2 Telethon," held in Francaise Contre les Myopathies actress Véronique Genest, the French early December. The Telethon is a (AFM - French Association public will vote on three front runners, major event in France, and after Against Muscular Dystrophy), one of which will be selected by 30 hours of live broadcasting, thousands of children have President Jacques Chirac. France 2 announced that it had received help, and a cure for MS fulfilled its objective by surpassing seems ever closer. WINE LABELS last year's donations by over 3 mil- From 1988 to 2002, 7,500 Starting next spring, the labeling of lion euros. The pledge money is research programs and study wines will become more accurate, by indicating the exact provenance of the used to help fund research on One of many children helped by the Telethon grants covering over 740 diseases ingredients used in the making of the genetic diseases. (Courtesy: Telethon / AFM / R. Bourguet) have been made possible through final product. French vine growers are This year, along with the myr- the Telethon and with generous currently lobbying for labels that would iad of stars who gave of their time and talents to help pro- donations from the French public. Donations to help support even mention the status of the wine's mote the cause, the Telethon featured many children who the fight against muscular dystrophy are still possible through producer, specifying whether it is a coop- offered their personal stories about their everyday struggles the AFM's Web site at www.afm-france.org. l l erative, an independent vine grower or a corporation. This reinforcement of exist- ing labeling laws will provide consumers Government Launches Internet Education Campaign with more information and should help HE FRENCH GOVERNMENT launched a cam- Haigneré, and is supported by private groups, computer man- the fight against counterfeited products. paign on December 1 to raise public ufacturers, publishers, and Internet service PARISIAN WINTER Tawareness of the benefits of using providers. To earn the campaign's label, comput- WONDERLAND computers and the Internet. The goal of the er manufacturers must comply with guidelines Just north of Paris, the renowned French campaign is to reduce the digital divide in which ensure that their products are affordable, stadium, Le Stade de France, was trans- France by appealing to those who are tradi- simple to install and use, and capable of per- formed into a giant winter sports com- tionally not accustomed to using computer forming basic Internet tasks. plex offering over 20 different types of technology and the Internet. In France, During three weeks, radio commercials winter sports for French people to sam- ple. The event, which ran from these voluntary or involuntary holdouts helped support the campaign by airing testimo- November 30 to December 7, contained often include many senior citizens, women, nials that touted the usefulness of the Internet in two small ski slopes that were created by low-income households, and individuals daily life. Educational and informational bringing in almost 1,000 square meters who do not hold university degrees. brochures on computers and the Internet will of snow, two luge tracks, an ice rink, a The campaign, called "Internet Déclaré Internet campaign poster also continue to be distributed at post offices, surf simulator to test one's d'Utilité Tout Public" ("Internet Declared (Courtesy: Ministry of Industry) partner organizations and stores, as well as in balance, and a children's Useful for Everyone") was backed by the government offices. On each radio testimonial snow garden. minister delegate for industry, Nicole Fontaine, and by the and brochure, a message proclaims, "Today, the Internet is for MATRIX IN minister delegate for research and new technology, Claudie all, truly for everyone." l l PHILOSOPHY CLASSES The final episode of "The The Court of the Future "NEMO" FINDS NICHE Matrix" trilogy, which recently Puppies, kittens and rabbits are all popular cuddly pets. But hit the screens in France, HE LONG ARM OF THE LAW will be speedier who ever heard of asking for a fish for Christmas? It's all the drew in not only regular and more flexible in the future, when technologies rage in France, where the commercial success of Disney's moviegoers but also scholars demonstrated during a virtual presentation in Caen, "Finding Nemo," has surpassed all expectations. European of all kinds. French high T Normandy, take off. With Minister of Justice Dominique pet stores are being inundated with holiday requests for the school teachers are using Perben in attendance, the Court of Appeal of Caen simulated real Clownfish, a saltwater species from the Indo-Pacific these action-packed movies a trial on December 1 in which neither the accused nor the oceans. In France, "Finding Nemo" broke the first-day to teach Kant and Plato's phi- attendance record for animated films and attracted an plaintiff were physically present in the courtroom. Instead, losophy to their students (phi- astounding 2 million spectators its first week. losophy is a required subject they, as well as the witnesses and the court experts, participat- in French schools). According ed through a videoconference system, which allowed for the civil and commercial cases that do not require the physical to teachers, Matrix is more real-time broadcast of their remarks. presence of the plaintiffs or the accused, and in cases, such as than a "money-making "The judicial process could gain in speed … quality … those involving sexual assault, in which the victim or witness- machine," it is also a "philo- and flexibility," said Perben, referring to the videoconference es are reluctant to show up in court. While costly at first, these sophical machine" which system but also to other proposed innovations, including technologies would create savings in the long term, for deals with complex themes secure telephones for private attorney-client conversations instance by limiting the need to travel to court. such as moral duty, liberty and interactive booths that would be located in police stations The Ministry of Justice has set up a commission to study and destiny. Six philosophy professors released this and from which one could rapidly lodge complaints. the effectiveness of these technologies and to help decide how month the first published Videoconferencing would be particularly beneficial in to introduce them into French courtrooms. l l 6 study (in France) of the trilogy. les coups d’oeil Cultural Highlights CULTURE YOUNG FRANCOPHONE WRITERS' CONTEST Are you between 15 and 27 years old and a budding French-language auteur? Lille, 2004 Euro Culture Capital, Spruces Up Then consider submitting your work to the Prix du Jeune Ecrivain Francophone! ILLE, CHOSEN TO BE Europe's Cultural Capital in The event, sponsored by Lille, the Nord-Pas-de-Calais This annual contest recognizes unpub- 2004 (along with Genoa, Italy) will mark the year in region as well as the E.U., aims at making culture accessible to lished, original and imaginative works style. The inaugural weekend, held on December 6-7, everyone. A series of exhibitions, concerts and festivals have written in prose by young francophone already attracted over been scheduled over the whole writers (French citizens are not eligible). L500,000 onlookers, more than year. Martine Aubry, the mayor of The 2004 jury will be composed of twice the number expected. The Lille, declared that this experience famous French literary figures, and win- city will host over 2,000 events dur- would provide a tremendous ners will see their essays published by ing the upcoming year, including opportunity to learn about new the publishing house Le Mercure de exhibits, concerts, plays and festi- ways of living together in an urban France. Runners-up will receive writing classes or books. vals. Lille also has a new look: a just and multinational environment. The January 17, 2004, deadline is fast renovated opera house, and an all- Lille also plans to spread its approaching! Entries must be written in pink train station. good fortune to its smaller neigh- French and range between 5-25 pages With an investment of more boring cities by lending some of its (numbered and double-spaced). Two than 140 million euros to revitalize most famous works of art to them. typed copies of the text must be post- the city, its cultural sites as well as Panoramic view of Lille’s Grand'Place Rodin's Porte de l'Enfer, for marked before January 17, 2004, or its transportation system, Lille is (Courtesy: Sam Bellet / Lille Tourist Office) instance, will visit 12 cities. In addi- sent by e-mail, to the following address: ready to welcome the 15 million tion, the national orchestra of Lille B.P. 55-31601 Muret Cedex, France guests expected in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region during the will travel to 15 cities in the region during 2004, making Lille a Tél/fax 05 62 23 20 29 upcoming year. Nord-Pas-de-Calais already spends 13 percent pioneer in cultural decentralization. E-mail: [email protected] Entries must have titles and should not of its budget, or about 156 million euros, on culture, a higher Lille has long been one of Europe's hubs. One hour by bear the author's name or signature to proportion than any other French region, according to its pres- train from the U.K. and Belgium, it attracts millions of busi- ensure anonymity (names can be includ- ident, Daniel Percheron. ness people and tourists every year. l l ed on a separate sheet). Contestants must also send a photocopy of their Bicentennial of Berlioz's Birth identity card, translated in French, which attests to their date of birth. For more ECEMBER 11 MARKED allowed him to produce superb masterpieces and to influence information, please visit www.pjef.net. the bicentennial of the birth subsequent composers. Berlioz's use of idée fixe, a mode of uni- 1580 EDITION OF ESSAIS Dof Hector Berlioz, the world- fication of an entire work through the use of a specific theme SOLD FOR 300,000 EUROS renowned French composer. Berlioz and story, inspired artists such as Wagner and had lasting An original collection of Montaigne's was born in La Côte St. André, in the implications on operatic form. Berlioz eschewed the schemat- Essais, dating from 1580, was auctioned department of Isère, on December 11, ic standards of his time to produce ultimately original musical on November 27 by Sotheby's France 1803, and died in March of 1869. works that were infused with elements of poetry, literature, and was sold for 300,000 euros. The Recognized for his musical innova- religion and drama. Among his most famous are La damnation works of Montaigne constitute some of tion, Berlioz is best known for the de Faust, Requiem, and Les Troyens. the most significant texts in world litera- Hector Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique opus, consid- In honor of the bicentennial of his birth there will be ture. Among the most renowned schol- ars of the 16th century, Montaigne was (Courtesy: ered to be one of the first defining numerous celebratory events, including a series of perfor- one of the first philosophers to raise the www.metronimo.com) pieces of musical Romanticism. mances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York (until issue of racial equality. The edi- While Berlioz himself did not formally play an instrument, January 1, 2004) and at the Symphony Hall in Boston (starting tion that was sold is one of only it was his ability to "view music abstractedly" and, as he writes on January 8), and a concert at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy three or four known to be in in his Mémoires, to "free himself from the tyranny of fingers Center on January 23. For more information, please visit private hands. and ordinary sonorities to compose freely and in silence," that www.hberlioz.com. l l NEW ART BOOKS ON PARIS Louvre Reform Marks New Era Two new books dedicated to HANDBALL Paris, one of the most beautiful CHAMPIONS! OR AS LONG AS the Louvre has been in existence as supplement the $93 million and beloved cities in the world, a museum (since 1793), the French Ministry for Culture received in subsidies from the France’s women’s have arrived just in time for the Fhas run its operations, making the important decisions government. Japan's Nippon handball team holiday season. The Art and concerning its staffing, facilities, acquisitions and $134 million Television has already agreed to was crowned Spirit of Paris, a two-volume set dollar budget. But beginning on January 1, 2004, Henri contribute $3.5 million to help World Champions by Michel Laclotte et al., is a Loyrette, the Louvre's president-director since 2001, will have create a new "Mona Lisa" gallery on December 14, monumental tribute to the city, full responsibility for managing the world's most visited muse- and $2 million for the renovation after beating with 1,654 pages and a $385 um. This reform has been in preparation since spring 2002, of the "Venus de Milo" gallery - Hungary 32-29 in price tag. Weighing more than when Jean-Jacques Aillagon, a former museum director him- the museum's two most fre- overtime. 30 pounds, Volume I runs from the Roman era through the city's self, became France's new minister for culture and made quently visited sites. Loyrette also transformation in the 19th cen- decentralization a priority. "We have now reached the right plans to oversee the completion of the 20-year-old Grand tury. Volume II spans the wars of balance between exercising autonomy and complying with Louvre Project, which has already seen the construction of 1871 to today. Paris: City of Art, national policies," said Loyrette. the Louvre pyramids, the reorganization of the museum's by Jean-Marie Perouse de An art historian and a curator by profession, Loyrette is collections, and the creation of the Richelieu wing. Above all, Montclos, packs maps, floor looking forward to his new duties of managing the budget Loyrette is dedicated to allowing greater access to the plans, timelines, and art close- and finding commercial sponsors to pay for temporary exhi- Louvre's collections for its numerous foreign and domestic ups into its engaging $85, 720- page single volume. bitions and gallery renovations. Their contributions would visitors, who number six million every year. l l 7 in brief France in America CHEZ NOUS

Happy holidays and a happy Kennedy Center Kicks Off New Year to all of our readers! As in previous years, News from New Year With "Festival of France" France will be taking some time HE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER for the Performing theater in the 19th century. "La Vie Parisienne," conceived by libret- off for the holidays, with the first Arts in Washington, D.C., will kick off the new year à la tists Charles Meilhac and Ludovic Halèvy, recounts the story of "a issue of 2004 coming out on française by presenting the "Festival of France," a four- group of cads, a Swedish baron and baroness, a Brazilian millionaire, February 4. We hope to see you again then, and to spend another month long extravaganza of French culture. The festival will and a few of the legendarily alluring women of Paris," according to Tfeature traditional and modern works of music, film, dance, as well the Kennedy Center. It reflects the "café society, a tribute to the soul excellent year in your company! as literature readings and art exhibits, all to be presented at the of that city, and an expression of the excitement and giddiness it Kennedy Center's concert halls and theaters. According to the inspires in its visitors." Center, the festival is a celebration of the impact of French arts on the Other exciting events to take place at the Kennedy Center include News from FRANCE world and a reaffirmation of the cultural and historic bonds between the Lyon Opéra Ballet's presentation of a new work by Philippe France and the United States. Decouflé, performances of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF One of the most antici- French orchestral and cham- Nathalie Loiseau pated events at the festival is ber music by the National EDITOR the U.S. debut of the Paris Symphony Orchestra, a pro- Emmanuel Gagniarre Opéra Comique - Théâtre gram by opera star Renée Populaire, which will "bring Fleming and Susan Graham MANAGING EDITOR [to Washington] a troupe of entitled "The Art of French Amaury Laporte actors, singers, dancers, and Song" and three theatrical SENIOR WRITER musicians steeped in the tra- productions for youths pre- Aude Rabault dition of French opéra sented by the Velo Theater, comique, a form of opera that the Théâtre en Ciel, and the WRITERS Michael Anuszkiewicz, Jonathan Bacon, integrates dialogue, operatic Troupe de Mademoiselle Nicolas Blarel, Carmel Evangelista, singing, and dance into a uni- Clairette. In addition to these Katherine Fuller, Hallie Hassakis, Franciscka Lucien, Loralie Noutong, Susan fied musical stage play," and many other perfor- Swihart according to the Kennedy mances, the Kennedy Center. The Opéra Comique Center's Education To change your address, subscribe (for French frou-frou - a scene from “La Vie Parisienne” company, well-known for its Department will present lec- free) or unsubscribe, please contact: (Courtesy: Kennedy Center) FRENCH EMBASSY PRESS & boisterous productions of tures and demonstrations for INFORMATION SERVICE Jacques Offenbach's musical comedies, will be presenting seven per- all ages, while the Center's Restaurant Associates will offer special 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-2182 formances of "La Vie Parisienne," from February 17 to February 22. menus featuring gastronomic delights and wines from France. Tel: (202) 944-6060 Artistic director of the Opéra Comique, Jérôme Savary, "set the pro- For those on a tight budget, or who are unable to come to Fax: (202) 944-6072 duction of 'La Vie Parisienne' in the original period, with all the trap- Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage will also E-mail: [email protected] pings of authentic cancan." feature French performance groups and musical works, with live "La Vie Parisienne," composed in 1866, is perhaps the best http://www.ambafrance-us.org Internet broadcasts. The Millennium Stage is a long-running pro- http://www.france.diplomatie.fr known and most popular of Offenbach's works. Offenbach (1819- gram that provides music and dance performances every day at no 1880) composed 40 full-length operettas in his lifetime, and is con- admission charge at 6 p.m. sidered to be one of the most prolific composers of French musical For more information, visit http://www.kennedy-center.org. l l

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