Chirac's statement was a rather poor one but there was no "if they wanted to
be granted admission to the EU" part. France alone does not have the power
to forbid countries to enter the Union and the idea probably not even
seriously crossed Chirac's mind.



France may not have the ability to stop admission by themselves, but the intent
was clear; support the US and lose French support for EU admission.


BUFDRVR

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"