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Chirac: No, not at all, because the Americans do fantastic things in many cultural domains. However, I do not want to see European culture sterilized or obliterated by American culture for economic reasons that have nothing to do with real culture. That is why I am for the cultural exception [i.e., leaving cultural productions out of international free-trade agreements], and especially for production and distribution quotas. I am very firm on that point.
TIME: What future do you see for the U.S.-led Atlantic community?
Chirac: I am naturally favorable to the Atlantic Alliance. Today it must undergo a modernization, especially on two levels. First, there must be a real European defense component, because there is no civilization that can survive for long if it is not capable of defending itself. So I think that we must create a sort of European defense pillar around the Western European Union, naturally linked to the American pillar within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance. Second, it is evident that the Atlantic Alliance must expand eastward. But I say simply that we must be careful to reach an agreement with the Russians that will permit this enlargement without threatening or humiliating them. Russia is a great power, a great people, and we must treat them with consideration and respect. That's why I tell certain American politicians that it would be a mistake not to be careful with Russia.
TIME: What surprised you most about the international reaction to renewed nuclear testing?
Chirac: I imagined the reactions would be sharp, especially because certain organizations specialize in feeding such reactions, but I think they have been overestimated. For example, we have closely monitored French sales abroad--including [in] the countries most critical of us--and have seen no effect in this area. In 1992 France interrupted its tests for political reasons before the completion of our program. It was indispensable to carry out several more to ensure the security and reliability of our arsenal. Finally, not only will France sign the nuclear test-ban treaty [in 1996], it was also the first country to call for the zero option, that is, a ban even on small tests.
TIME: Can you envision a future for France outside the European Union?
Chirac: No! Look at the great tendencies: everything shows that the world is moving toward larger ensembles. It is not possible for a country to go it alone if it wants to remain great and strong.
TIME: Some observers fear that the single European currency will limit France's sovereignty. What do you think of that objection?
Chirac: First of all, let me say that I am not an ideologue, I am a pragmatist. What is the single currency? It is simply the achievement of stable exchange rates. France has always stressed the necessity of stable rates. Behind all the passion and polemics, the single currency is simply the return to fixed exchange rates, which is a necessity in our eyes. In no way does this threaten France's sovereignty.
TIME: Most European Union countries, including France, cannot yet meet all the criteria of the Maastricht Treaty. Wouldn't some delay in the single currency or a relaxation of the very strict criteria make sense?