A truffle omelet

It is totally unfair! Some may even say that it is an outrage. Why was the G-8 Summit held in Evian? There were at least one thousand other places in France to hold it.

Evian is known throughout the world for only one product- its water. I indeed like water, but there are many other ways to liven up a party.

Just imagine if the French Government had held the summit in Bergerac in the region of Perigord. On Sunday evening, Heads of States would have enjoyed a delightful dinner with, as an entrée, a salad of candied gizzard and a truffle omelet with a nice little Sauterne wine or a light white Grave, then a paté de foie gras à la périgourdine or, for those who prefer something lighter, stuffed quail on grape leaves with a Pecharmant or a simple Côte de Bergerac and, to conclude after a plate of cheeses, an apple pie with milk cream or a Millassou with grappes. Then a small coffee with a 30- year-old Armagnac to finish off the meal.

With such a menu, I am pretty sure that the handshake between Heads of States would have been cordiale and maybe even friendly. It is also true that in order to have 21 Heads of States discuss such brand new issues as the situation in Iraq, Iran, WTO, GMOs, AIDS and the Least developed countries’ debt in 120 minutes, a light stomach was perhaps better.

The choice of Evian was also possibly linked to political considerations. This year is the International Year of Fresh Water; it was perhaps an elegant way for the French Government to honor the United Nations.

One suggestion, however, if we succeed in improving the daily food at the UN cafeteria, the next G-8 Summit might take place on our premises. It would cost less to the taxpayers. Moreover, all the burning issues that were discussed in Evian have been covered for ages by numerous UN conferences and meetings. If the world has to be redone, why not do it where it can be done and stop the big shows that lead nowhere.

Editor-in-Chief, Jean Michel Jakobowicz