"Colin Powell is a man of experience in the diplomatic field and I believe an altogether sensible man. He is aware, just like us, of the historic depth of ties between France and the United States," Alliot-Marie said during a visit to Oman.

"Being allies implies mutual respect, being friends implies a relationship of confidence that allows one to say he doesn't agree without it turning into a drama," she said.

In an interview with the BBC, Powell said relations with France "took a hit but will not fall apart" after Paris' strident opposition to the US-led war that ousted Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

Alliot-Marie said France "is still the United States' ally and friend, but that has never stopped it from expressing its feelings."

"We don't decide where we stand in relation to the United States but in accordance with what we believe. We are neither for opposing the Americans nor for pleasing the Americans," she said in response to criticism that France overplayed its hand over Iraq.

Alliot-Marie reiterated that the United Nations, which did not specifically authorize the war amid French veto threats, had an important role to play.

"We need the UN, as what can replace the UN to establish international law that would be respected and have legitimacy. And if there is no international law where are we going toward? Toward more conflicts and chaos," she said.

The French minister met with a number of Omani officials here and was received Saturday by Sultan Qaboos. She was due to leave later Saturday for India.

She said France and Oman shared "very similar assessments" of the regional situation.

"In Iraq law must return and the UN must fully play its role as quickly as possible," she said.

"Very wisely, Omani authorities have observed that things happened and they don't want to dwell on the past, but rather they want to look toward the future of Iraq, the future of the region and the future of international relations through the UN," she said.

SPACE.WIRE