LIBERTY, equality, fraternity. Not much evidence of that in France's actions in the past few weeks. France's president is straying from those splendid ideals.
Clearly trying to flex his muscles and show the world that France is a country to be reckoned with, and himself a leader of statesmanlike qualities, President Jacques Chirac has instead brought shame and disrepute on France, and disgust for his own thinly disguised attempts at agrandise-ment.
The recent exhibitions on French culture here did more to encourage respect and admiration for France as a cultured and civilised country than all Mr Chirac's posturing.
In a world presently ravaged by tribalism, sects and nationalism, France's actions can only be regarded as blatant chauvinism.
The proposal to resume nuclear tests in French Polynesia has provoked widespread hostility. Yet oblivious of environmental protection and world opinion, France blunders along.
Not much recognition of the liberty and equality of the people in that region.
