Bad French prolongs Russia-Georgia conflict

UK Telegraph ^ | 9:39AM BST 08 Sep 2008 | Peter Allen in Paris

[elfman2]

The conflict between Russia and Georgia has been worsened by badly-translated French, France's foreign minister has admitted on the eve of crucial talks in Moscow between the European Union and the Kremlin.

...

One reason for the continuation of the conflict now appears to be a passage in the Russian translation of the agreement that speaks of security "for" South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The English version speaks of security "in" the two areas.

The difference is crucial, because Russia continues to keep its tanks and armed troops "in" Georgian territory. The international community, in turn, wants security "for" South Ossetia and Abkhazia without the Russian army staying in Georgia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed that the ceasefire wording made his country sound like an aggressor. He said the Georgian interpretation "contains a whole range of distortions" including replacement of the preposition "for" with "in".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2700177/Bad-French-prolongs-Russia-Georgia-conflict.html

[elfman2]

I wonder if there's a precedent for parties signing different versions of a treaty, especially if the original has a clear meaning.

If the meaning wasn't clear, it's typical of French duplicity in order to end a war any price. If it's a bad Russian or English translation, it comes off as a slick political move.

[Paleo Conservative]

Pardon my French!

[Army Air Corps]

Zut!

Gallic ping.

[silverleaf]

LOL!

[RichInOC]

“I must break you.”

[elfman2]

LOL! Great one!

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Another “peace in our time” moment complements of western europe.
I’m sure a picture of Sarko waving a piece of paper in his hand isn’t far away.

[Ciexyz]

A first year French student can tell you "pour" is "for" and "en" or "dans" is "in".

What part of those words can the translators not understand?

[MrB]

Pahr Lezz Vouse Francis?

[Army Air Corps]

Wee. :-)

[dfwgator]

Throw out your hands!!
Stick out your tush!!
Hands on your hips
Give them a push!!
You’ll be surprised
You’re doing the French Mistake!!
VOILA!!

[saganite]

IIRC a WWI battle was badly mangled because the British Commander, Haig, couldn’t pronounce the name of the Huy river in Belgium well enough to suit the French cammnader and their conference broke up with no decision on the plan of action. But I could be wrong.

[Cincinna]

Thanks to AAC for posting this.

FRENCH POLITICS AND CULTURE PING LIST

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

[blam]

[bruinbirdman]

The Telegraph
The French leader defended himself against criticism that he and other European leaders had been too placatory towards Moscow, saying the original ceasefire deal he brokered on Aug 12 should serve as an example for conflict resolution around the world.

Is this a correct translation:

"There is no longer any conflict and the weapons are silent," he said. "If all conflicts could embark on resolutions such as this, we would all be in a better position."

"If all happens as indicated, this will have proved a momentous moment," Mr Sarkozy told reporters.

yitbos

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Cincinna.