Macron argues for Iran deal, climate pact in address to Congress
French President Emmanuel Macron stood before a joint session of Congress to argue that the U.S. should remain a part of the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Climate accord.
Macron said that France's objective for Iran is clear -- "Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons. Not now, not in 5 years not in 10 years, not ever."
He added, "It is true to say this agreement may not address all concerns and every important concerns, this is true, but we should not abandon it without having something substantial and more substantial instead." Macron again suggested a new deal that France and the U.S. can write together to address existing concerns.
"France will not leave JCPOA because we signed it," said Macron, using the acronym for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "But what I want to do and what we decided together with your president is that we can work on a more comprehensive deal addressing all these concerns."
Macron laid out the four pillars he addressed during Tuesday's joint press conference that would be the basis for the deal, including the "substance of the existing agreement, the post-2025 period, the containment of the military influence of the Iranian regime in the region and the monitoring of ballistic activity."
"I think we have to start working now on these four pillars to build a new comprehensive deal and ensure whatever the U.S. decision will be, we will not leave the floor to the absence of rule," added Macron.
Turning to the environment, Macron placed the responsibility on lawmakers to ensure leaving children a planet that will still be here in 25 years. His comments drew immediate cheers from Democrats.
As he has said, there is no "Plan B" the Iran deal, and on the issue of climate change, Macron told the House chamber, "Let us face it, there is no Planet B" in pushing for a stronger approach to addressing the impacts of climate change.
"I am sure one day the U.S. will come back and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement," Macron suggested, to loud cheers from Democrats in the chamber. He referred to the U.S.' pullout of the pact as a short-term "family disagreement."
Macron said France and the U.S. will have to work together to "make this planet great again."
Follow along for live updates of the speech:
U.N. reaction
In response to Macron's speech, the Spokesman for the U.N. Secretary General, Stephane Dujarric said, "We believe the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a positive agreement that should be maintained. As you know, the JCPOA was endorsed by Security Council resolution 2231."
"We must build on this important achievement to preserve the non-proliferation regime, which is a cornerstone of our global security. We also believe that the JCPOA contributes to regional peace and security."
Macron: "Together we shall prevail"
"Our people cherish the friendship of the American people with as much intensity as ever," Macron says in closing.
"Today the call we hear is the call of history this is a time of determination and courage what we cherish is at fate, what we love is in danger, we have no choice but to prevail and together we shall prevail," he added.
Macron on Iran, nuclear weapons
Macron says France fully supports the U.S. actions in North Korea, pushing toward complete denuclearization.
"As for Iran our objective is clear: Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons. Not now, not in 5 years not in 10 years, ever," Macron urges.
He warns however that "these policies should never lead us to war in the Middle East" once again urging protection of sovereignty in the region.
"It is true to say this agreement may not address all concerns and every important concerns, this is true, but we should not abandon it without having something substantial and more substantial instead. That's my position," Macron said.
Macron again suggests a new deal that France and the U.S. can build to address existing concerns.
"France will not leave JCPOA because we signed it," said Macron. "But what I want to do and what we decided together with your president is that we can work on a more comprehensive deal addressing all these concerns."
Macron laid out the four pillars he addressed during Tuesday's joint press conference that would be the basis for the deal, including "substance of the existing agreement, the post 2025 period, the containment of the military influence of the Iranian regime in the region and the monitoring of ballistic activity."
"I think we have to start working now on these four pillars to build a new comprehensive deal and ensure whatever the U.S. decision will be, we will not leave the floor to the absence of rule," added Macron.
Macron: "There is no planet B"
Macron makes light of his Iran deal comments, saying "let us face it, there is no Planet B" in pushing for a stronger approach to addressing the impacts of climate change.
"I am sure one day the U.S. will come back and rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement," Macron suggests as loud cheers break out in the chamber. He refers to the U.S.' pullout of the pact a short term disagreement.
"in the long run we will have to face the same realities and we are just citizens on the same planet. So we'll have to face it," he added. Macron said France and the U.S. will have to work together to
"make this planet great again."
Macron: "We need a free and fair trade for sure"
Macron slightly hints at Mr. Trump's trade policies saying "Commercial war is not the proper answer."
He also highlights the recent Facebook controversies, urging the need to "preserve our citizens digital rights and protect the confidence in today's digital tools of life."
Macron on multilateralism
Macron calls on the U.S. to lead toward "a new more effective, accountable, strong multilateralism, saying the U.S. invented multilateralism.
"You are the one now who has to help now and reinvent it," Macron said.
He added, "Human rights, the rights of minorities and shared liberty are the true answers to the disorders of the world."
Macron comments on believing in science to be used against threats to the planet draw loud applauds and shouts, likely hinting at his embracing of the Paris Climate Accord.
Macron: "We are living in a time of anger and fear"
Macron says global threats pose as a challenge to both the U.S. and France, saying "anger only freezes and weakens us. " He quotes President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous line: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself
Marcon warns against the rise of extreme nationalism saying the international community needs to keep its eyes "wide open."
"We have to keep our eyes wide open to the new risks right in front of us. I am convinced that if we decide to open our eyes wider we will be stronger. We will overcome the dangers," he said. Macron warned that without acting, international institutions like the UN and NATO will cease to exist.
Macron on new threats, challengers
Macron urges elected officials to stand for democracy amid concerns for the future. He urged politicians to "stand firmly to fight and make our principles prevail"
Macron on shared cultures
"Our two societies have stood up to advance human rights for all," said Macron, marking the impact of African Americans on both French and U.S. history.
He says the bust of Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S. Capitol "reminds us of the inspiration of African American leaders, artists and writers who have become part of our common heritage."
He also highlights the importance of the "me too" moment in France.
Macron on terrorism
Macron recalls terrorist attacks in the U.S. and Europe over the last five years, calling it a "horrific price to pay for freedom and democracy."
"Our nations have suffered wrenching losses simply because of our values and our taste for freedom," said Macron.
"That is why we stand together in Syria today to fight together against these terrorist groups who seek to destroy everything for which we stand," he added.
Macron says U.S, France "rooted in same soil"
"We are surrounded today with images, portraits & symbols which reminds us that France has participated with heart in hand in the story of this great nation from the very beginning," said Macron of the U.S.-French relationship
He added, "We have worked together for the universal ideals of liberty, tolerance and equal rights."
Macron says there is a "special bond deeply rooted not only in our history but also in our flesh."
Macron enters the House chamber
Lawmakers applaud as Macron arrives for his speech.
Ryan gavels in the joint meeting
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Pence invite Macron to address the body and for him to be escorted into the House chamber.
Members of the Trump Cabinet were also in attendance, including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Members of Congress, Senate arrive for speech
Lawmakers file into the House chamber ahead of Macron's speech. Senators and Members of Congress shake hands as they file in. Vice President Mike Pence is also in attendence for the joint session.
Trump tweets on Macron's address
Busy day planned. Looking forward to watching President Macron of France address a Joint Session of Congress today. This is a great honor and seldom allowed to be done...he will be GREAT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2018
Mr. Trump tweeted ahead of Macron's address to Congress, saying he was looking forward to watching the speech. "This is a great honor and seldom allowed to be done...he will be GREAT!" Mr. Trump added.
Macron's whirlwind Washington visit
Macron's speech to Congress will be one of the last appearances he makes as the state visit comes to a close. Later he will participate in a town hall with students at George Washington University and a visit to the French Embassy.
During last night's state dinner, Macron and President Trump toasted their countries "unbreakable" friendship and referenced both his and Mr. Trump's rapid political ascents, saying, "On both sides of the ocean some two years ago, very few would have bet on us being here together today."