Chirac backs Blair over EU vote

Bilingual students are quizzing both leaders

French President Jacques Chirac says Tony Blair can win the referendum on the European constitution as they met in Paris.

The two leaders answered questions from students to mark Europe Day.

But the constitution, yet to be agreed by EU leaders, was expected to feature in their private talks.

Mr Blair's U-turn on holding a referendum is said to have riled Mr Chirac but the pair put on a show of unity at the questions session.

Scare tactics?

The meeting comes on the anniversary of French politician Robert Schuman's 1950 call for a united Europe.

The event provides a convenient opportunity for one of Mr Blair's regular meetings with the president.

The French president said: "One can't conceive of Europe without Britain."

You need to explain this is not something people should fear but which is progress Tony Blair

He added: "Tony Blair is very convincing, he will sway public opinion."

The prime minister said he was looking forward to promoting the reality about the constitution rather than "scare stories".

"You need to explain this is not something people should fear but which is progress," he said.

"The argument we have to make to people within Britain is that if we want to continue with the peace and prosperity we have enjoyed, our place is in Europe."

Opponents of the draft constitution say it is a stepping stone towards a federal Europe but the government insists it is protecting key British vetoes.

Asked when Britain should join the Euro, Mr Blair said when the economic conditions were right.

But Mr Chirac said: "As soon as possible."

Iraq differences

A No 10 spokeswoman said the visit was particularly appropriate in the 100th anniversary year of the entente cordiale.

One hundred bi-lingual students picked by the French Embassy in London have travelled to Paris for the questions session.

Another 100 who currently study in France are attending, along with 200 French students.

The two men were being joined by French Prime Minister Jean Pierre Raffarin for a private working lunch.

Mr Blair's spokesman said the prime minister had stressed that Britain's "red lines" on keeping key vetoes would have to be met for there to be a deal over the constitution next month.

The spokesman said the leaders had not discussed the referendum U-turn, adding: "There was an acknowledgement that each country makes a decision with regard to how it approaches ratification."

Aggression warning

Iraq was also on the lunch agenda. Officials said both men agreed there should be a new United Nations resolution on Iraq.

Mr Chirac, according to his spokeswoman, insisted on the need for a "true break" and a "true transfer of power" when sovereignty is handed to Iraqis on 30 June.

In the questions session, the president referred to the alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners by coalition troops, saying: "Every time you humiliate, in one way or another, you create aggressive reflexes."

And he said it was "clear that today a very large majority of Iraqis have negative feelings about the forces of peace, which they consider to be forces of occupation".