PARIS, Feb 23: Seventy per cent of the French affirm that although they are opposed to a war with Iraq, they nevertheless remain staunchly pro-American. An IFOP opinion poll published in a local weekly said that around 15 per cent claim they are opposed to the war because they are anti-American, while six per cent note that they are both pro-American and pro-war. Only two per cent of those questioned say that they are anti-American and pro-war.

The Elysee Palace, commenting upon the poll, said that it should put an end to attacks in the British and American press according to which the French are against a war with Iraq for the simple reason that they are anti-American.

President Jacques Chirac has stated repeatedly that there is no contradiction, in his eyes, between the strong opposition to a war and a continued pro-American sensibility.

Indeed, the French presidency noted that Chirac hoped that the 70 per cent figure would not only convince Americans that the French continue to remain strongly pro-American, but also dissuade those Americans who plan to boycott French goods to perhaps think twice before doing so.