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Sarkozy to address US Congress Sarkozy applauded by US Congress
(41 minutes later)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is to address a joint session of the US Congress shortly, as he continues his first official visit to Washington. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has received a standing ovation from US lawmakers during an address to a joint session of the US Congress.
It will be the first time for more than a decade that a French president has addressed both Houses. It was the first time for more than a decade that a French president spoke to both houses.
The French leader will then hold talks with US President George W Bush at Mount Vernon, the historic home of the first US president, George Washington. 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.
They are expected to discuss Iraq, Iran and the Middle East. They are expected to discuss Iraq, Iran and other Middle Eastern issues.
In his address to Congress at 1100 (1600 GMT), Mr Sarkozy is expected to outline an upbeat vision for future Franco-American relations. In his address to Congress, Mr Sarkozy drew applause from lawmakers when he stressed: "France is the friend of the United States of America."
Warmly received We may argue, as in any family, but in times of difficulty, in times of hardship, through the years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder Nicolas Sarkozy class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7082294.stm">First day in pictures class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/7080019.stm">US warms to new flavour class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=3794&edition=1">Send us your comments
But he is also expected to call for the US to do more to combat global warming and international poverty. The speech came one day after the French leader pledged to "reconquer America's heart" as he began his warmly-received visit.
It comes a 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.
I have come to tell you one thing - that is that France and the United States are friends, we are allies, always and forever Nicolas Sarkozy class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7082294.stm">First day in pictures class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/7080019.stm">US warms to new flavour class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=3794&edition=1">Send us your comments But Mr Sarkozy drew applause on Wednesday when he told US lawmakers: "We may argue, as in any family, but in times of difficulty, in times of hardship, through the years, we have stood shoulder to shoulder."
At a White House dinner with Mr Bush, he said differences over Iraq should not weaken the alliance between the two countries.
Mr Bush agreed, stressing the many areas in which they work together.
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.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.
Elected in May, Mr Sarkozy is viewed on Capitol Hill as much more pro-American than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.Elected in May, Mr Sarkozy is viewed on Capitol Hill as much more pro-American than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.
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.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since France opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Mr Sarkozy spoke warmly of French-US relations in a toast to Mr Bush
Mr Sarkozy prompted laughter on Tuesday evening at the White House by saying he had come to show he could be a friend to the US and still win elections in France. 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.
"I came to Washington with a very simple message. I want to reconquer America's heart," he said, in a toast to Mr Bush.
Mr Sarkozy met Mr Bush while on holiday in New England in August
"I have come to tell you one thing - that is that France and the United States are friends, we are allies, always and forever."
Mr Sarkozy also paid homage to US troops who had helped liberate France during World War II.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.
"French and American troops are helping to defend a young democracy in Afghanistan. Our two nations support the democratic government of Lebanon," he said.
"We agree that reconciliation and democracy in Iraq are vital to the future of the Middle East and our two nations condemn violations of human rights in Darfur, in Burma and 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.