FRANCE: GERMAN CHANCELLOR ELECT GERHARD SCHROEDER VISIT

Описание: (30 Sep 1998) Natural Sound

Germany's chancellor-elect Gerhard Schroeder is making his first foreign trip after his election victory last weekend.

Schroeder, whose centre-left Social Democrats defeated outgoing Chancellor Helmut Kohl's Christian Democrats in Sunday's vote, is visiting France.

The trip is aimed at seeking to dispel worries that his desire for closer relations with Britain doesn't means neglecting Paris as a key force behind European unification.

Chancellor-elect Gerhard Schroeder arrived at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday on his first official foreign visit to France.

Schroeder is keen to dispel worries that Germany's strong political and economic relationship with France will not be neglected.

The two countries stand as each other's largest trading partners.

The Franco-German axis, in which former Chancellor Helmut Kohl was instrumental, was critical to building a stronger European Union, including the euro single currency that takes effect in January.

But Schroeder, whose weekend election victory spelled the end to 16 years of rule by conservative Chancellor Helmut Kohl, has caused jitters in Paris.

The French administration is concerned by his interest in forging better ties with London.

In contrast to Kohl, who lived through World War Two, the incoming chancellor is part of a new generation of German leaders.

Some French officials feel that members of the new German government will feel less obliged to rectify the mistakes of the past.

The Social Democrat, who speaks English but not French, was expected to reaffirm his commitment to strong relations with France.

Schroeder is to lunch with conservative President Jacques Chirac and Socialist French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Schroeder is scheduled to give a news conference at the end of his visit.

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