Briefing from the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman on: President Chirac and Reshuffle.
President Chirac
The PMOS told journalists that whilst the Prime Minister and President Chirac had met at various summits, post-Iraq, Brussels and St Petersburg and the G8 for example, the meeting this evening would be the first time that they had had a lengthy discussion since the Anglo-French Summit at La Touquet in February. It was expected to be a wide-ranging discussion covering the European Convention ahead of the European Council next week, the single currency following the Chancellor’s statement on Monday, post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq, and Africa may come up as well. The PMOS told journalists not to expect any announcements after the dinner but there would be a short doorstep at the end.
Asked if they would be discussing the possible deployment of British troops in the Congo the PMOS said it was not impossible DRC would be discussed. The PMOS told journalists that the British Government had indicated that they would make a contribution to a UN force but the numbers were likely to be low. The official announcement had not been made yet. Asked if they would discuss Zimbabwe the PMOS said again that it was not impossible. The British Government remained very concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe which was getting worse, not better. We were of the view that whilst there were number of measures that had been taken by the European Union in respect of sanctions, for example. What was also important was that leverage and pressure was exerted from their African neighbours, and that was where the focus continued to be.
Reshuffle
Asked a lengthy question about what would be discussed at cabinet and the nature of the Prime Minister’s engagements tomorrow the PMOS said this was a mazy run into the box but easily parried by the keeper.
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