Today's Date:

The activity of the political counselors is threefold - offer input concerning American affairs to the French government, maintain a good working relationship with the U.S. government and assist in implementing French foreign policy in the United States.

With the help of the press section, the political advisors analyze American foreign and domestic policy and the political, economic and social climate as it relates to France and its interests. Gathering and analyzing relevant information, the advisors track trends in public opinion and keep tabs on government activities. To this end, they maintain close con-tacts with American officials and other persons of relevance. Armed with appropriate knowledge, the political staff advises the Ambassador, with whom they work very closely, as well as send reports to the French Foreign Ministry.

For the most part, the advisors provide expertise in specific regions of the world or various issues facing the international community, such as nonproliferation, peacekeeping operations and multilateral economic relations.

The Ambassador and his political advisors are official representatives of the French government. Consequently, many of the diplomatic relations that take place between France and the United States are carried out through the embassy. Assisting the French government in implementing its diplomatic missions in the United States, the Chancery speaks for the French government.