Taoiseach meets French Prime Minister, Mr. Lionel Jospin.
Discussions between the two Leaders covered a wide range of European issues, including the current Agenda 2000 negotiations and implementation of the Amsterdam Treaty. Both leaders considered the issues surrounding institutional reform in advance of the informal meeting of the Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Austria this October.
In relation to Agenda 2000, the Taoiseach outlined Ireland's position on the Commission's current proposals on Structural and Cohesion Funds. The Taoiseach emphasised the need for generous transitional arrangements for Ireland under the Structural Funds and the Governments opposition to the current Commission proposals for CAP reform.
The Taoiseach noted the historic links that bind France and Ireland and the healthy state of bilateral relations existing between the two countries. In this context, he welcomed the visit of the Tour de France to Ireland and the timeliness of such a visit in the year that Ireland commemorates the bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion. The Taoiseach also took the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister on the Northern Ireland Agreement and expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support for the Peace Process from France and our other European Partners.
Earlier today, the Taoiseach also met with the President of the French National Assembly, Mr. Laurent Fabius, for a formal working lunch, where the Taoiseach spoke about Franco-Irish relations in the context of 1798, historical cultural links and EU support for the Northern Ireland Agreement.
Finally, Mr. Ahern congratulated the French on a tremendous win in the World Cup Final last night which, as he witnessed, has given a significant boost to national moral in France.
The Taoiseach's visit to France is a continuation of his programme of consultations with the leaders of other Member States on a range of European Union issues in preparation for the detailed negotiations on Agenda 2000.
ENDS