Le Figaro Obama declares that "America is one of the largest Muslim countries on the planet"

Le Figaro - International : «Les Etats-Unis, un des plus grands pays musulmans»

Obama declares that "America is one of the largest Muslim countries on the planet"

Translated with the use of Google translation which can be found here.



A few days of his arrival in Normandy for the commemoration of the Landing, Barack Obama gave his first media interview to a french, where he discusses the Middle East and pays a tribute to Nicolas Sarkozy.

His involvement in the Middle East. For Barack Obama, who must decide Thursday in Cairo a landmark speech of reconciliation with the Muslim world, "the United States and the Western world must learn about Islam. Moreover, if we count the number of American Muslims, we see that the United States is one of the largest Muslim country on the planet ", dare he in an interview on Canal +, the first given to a medium french. Before adding: "What I try to do is create a better dialogue so that the Muslim world can better understand how the United States, but more generally the Western world, devise some difficult problems, such as terrorism or democracy."

His report to Islam. "Whatever their faith, those who build and not destroy those who leave behind a lasting legacy," said the American president. "I think there is now a real conflict between those who argue that Islam is irreconcilable with modern life and those who believe the contrary, Islam has always evolved along with the progress."

His excellent relationship with Nicolas Sarkozy. Barack Obama admits to "an excellent relationship" with his french counterpart. The two men had already seen the beginning of April at the G20 in London then in Strasbourg for the NATO summit. A final interview with the tenant of the White House assures keep "an excellent memory." "I am confident that we will have bilateral talks extremely productive at the next meeting (...) President Sarkozy has shown great courage in some of the decisions he had to take," said one who has talks with Nicolas Sarkozy before attending commemorative ceremonies in Caen and Colleville-sur-Mer.

His love for France. Concentrated, the U.S. president said that "France is one of the important countries of the world, his word is decisive." Then he continued, smiling: "Besides, Americans love all that is french, pell-mell mentioning" the kitchen "," wine "," Paris "or" Provence ", where he stayed when he was a student. For his return to France, Barack Obama said he will be accompanied by his wife Michelle during his stay in Normandy. "Alas, my french is deplorable," said Obama. "I made some french in high school, but I forgot. But I think that Michelle speaks a little french.