United kingdom Daily news: Syria crisis: Hillary Clinton finds an ally in FranÃ§ois Hollande as US and France gang up on Russia

Jumat, 06 Juli 2012

Syria crisis: Hillary Clinton finds an ally in FranÃ§ois Hollande as US and France gang up on Russia

Syria crisis: Hillary Clinton finds an ally in FranÃ§ois Hollande as US and France gang up on Russia

By John Hutchinson

PUBLISHED: 16:37 EST, 6 July 2012 | UPDATED: 18:03 EST, 6 July 2012

Hillary Clinton may have found her own 'special relationship' with French President FranÃ§ois Hollande following a conference on Syria in Paris - but it isn't her first.

First there was the 'When Hilly met Milly' episode which detailed the touch-feely friendship that had developed when Hillary Clinton met up with then Foreign Secretary David Miliband,

It was no surprise as the U.S. politician had previously told Vogue magazine that she had a 'big crush on the Labour MP.

Hillary seems more than relaxed in Hollande's company

Bonjour: The French President greets Hillary Clinton with a traditional, warm welcome, and the U.S. politician seems more than relaxed in his company

At ease: A smile last seen when Hillary laughed with David Miliband, was back as she met French President FranÃ§ois Hollande

'He's vibrant, vital, attractive, smart,' she gushed.

'He's a really He's a really good guy - and he is so young.'

Miliband had been quoted saying: 'She's delightful to deal with one-on-one. She's someone who laughs and can tease...'

Back in March 2010 the pair were pictured giggling like teenage sweethearts as they enjoyed maple syrup toffee treats during a break from a summit of G8 foreign ministers in Quebec, Canada.

But come May 2010, it was time for the next installment, and this was 'When Hilly met Billy' as Clinton came face to face with the U.K.'s new Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Atmospheric: Clinton and Hollande bask in the Parisian sunshine

Let's shake on it: The U.S. and France seem in agreement with how to deal with the problems with Syria

All ears: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sits next to France's Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius at the Parisian conference

It was a chance to get the U.S.'s and the U.K.'s 'special relationship' back on track, but it was clear that Hillary's feelings towards William were not as strong as those for his predecessor.

And now the U.S. Secretary of State may have found a new 'friend' in French President FranÃ§ois Hollande.

Ahead of the Friends of Syria conference in Paris, Clinton appeared at ease and relaxed in the company of the French premier.

Clinton was heavily critical of Russia and China's actions, or lack of, concerning the troubles in Syria at the meeting.

She went as far as to say they were 'standing up' for the Assad regime and called on other countries to 'make it clear that Russia and China will pay a price.'

Years gone by: Hillary admitted she had a 'crush' on David Miliband, but it is unknown at this stage if she holds any such feeling for Hollande

Not so warm: Hillary's friendship with Miliband's successor William Hague, however, was not on the same level

And her reservations were echoed by Hollande who went on to call for the United Nations (UN) to take tougher action on Syria, and that the only outcome if nothing is done will be greater repression.

Both France and the U.S. also agree on invoking Chapter 7 of the UN Charter which would bring economic sanctions, and if necessary, military intervention.

Hollande, who chaired the conference in the French capital, supported five commitments to aid the Syrian people. These were;

An end to impunity for regime members;
Real and effective sanctions;
Increase in support to the opposition, including providing means of communication;
Humanitarian aid;
Aid for reconstruction once the conflict is over.

But as China and Russia failed to attend the conference, it is unlikely any resolutions reached will be taken on board by the UN.