France stands by U.S. after WikiLeaks cables

French Minister for Budget, Civil Service and Government

From Reuters:  France said Monday it was standing by the United States as Washington faced the fallout from the release of thousands of secret diplomatic cables, calling the leaks a threat to democratic sovereignty.

The documents describe President Nicolas Sarkozy as "touchy" and "authoritarian," according to French daily Le Monde, one of five newspapers given access to the cables in advance.

Government spokesman Francois Baroin said France was made aware of the cables before their release and pledged to support the United States, a NATO ally, in defending diplomatic secrecy.

"We are very supportive of the American administration in its efforts to avoid what not only damages countries’ authority and the quality of their services, but also endangers men and women working to defend their country," Baroin, who is also budget minister, told Europe 1 Radio. …

"If there was such a thing as a French WikiLeaks, we would have to be inflexible (in dealing with it)."  (photo: Getty)

Image: getty%2011%2029%2010%20Francois%20Baroin.warsawbiopic.jpg