Middle East Focus-Arabia Deserta: Sarkozy’s Complaints: of US Protectionism, le Pot Calling le Kettle Noire, Carla…………

Arabia Deserta

Sarkozy’s Complaints: of US Protectionism, le Pot Calling le Kettle Noire, Carla…………

“The French and British leaders accused the U.S. of protectionism on Friday over a contract to build a new Air Force refueling tanker. A European-led consortium pulled out of bidding this week for the $35 billion contract, saying the Pentagon was favoring rival American bidder Boeing. ''This is not the right way for the United States to treat its European allies,'' French President Nicolas Sarkozy said. ''If they want to be spearheading the fight against protectionism, they shouldn't be setting the wrong example of protectionism,'' he said. ''In life there is what you say and then there is what you do.'' British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was disappointed with the situation…… The withdrawal of a bid by EADS, the parent company of Airbus, and Northrop Grumman, leaves Chicago-based Boeing as the only bidder for the 179-tanker order……….”

Sarko has some nerve, given that the French and Euro industries are partly state-owned and heavily subsidized.
Cheers
mhg

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