Bush says US, France will continue strong alliance

Washington, May 7: US President George W Bush telephoned French president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy to congratulate him on his victory yesterday and said the two countries' long friendship will continue, a spokesman said.

''The United States and France are historic allies and partners,'' national security council press secretary Gordon Johndroe said in an e-mailed statement. ''President Bush looks forward to working with President-elect Sarkozy as we continue our strong alliance.'' The comments came after Sarkozy told supporters that the United States could rely on the friendship of France, with whom relations were strained after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but there were differences with Washington in areas such as global warming that he would address.

Reuters>