Walter Jones, a congressman behind the "fries of freedom", dies at 76

Republican MP Walter B Jones, known to have changed the name from fries in government cafeterias to "fries of freedom", has died.

million. Jones was a strong supporter of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and had asked for the name. change in protest against the opposition of France to the war.

But later, he radically changes his heart and becomes one of the most vocal critics of his party about the war.

His duties confirm his death on February 10, his 76th birthday

M. Jones represented his district for 34 years, first in the state legislature of North Carolina, and then in Congress.

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At the time of his death, he was being treated in a hospice in Greenville, in North Carolina was broken hip last month. His office said his condition had deteriorated after his fall on January 14.

"Congressman Jones will be remembered for his honesty, faith and integrity," said a statement from his office.

"He was never afraid to adopt a position of principle, he was known for his independence and was admired by all political horizons. 39 agree with him, but all acknowledged that he had done what he thought was right. "

"Freedom Fries"

Like most Republicans – and a number of Democrats – Mr. Jones supported President George W. Bush's resolution to use military force in Iraq to overthrow his leader, Saddam Hussein.

million. Bush justified the invasion by claiming that Saddam Hussein had developed and concealed weapons of mass destruction.

France, which threatened to veto the United Nations resolution authorizing US-led military action, was the strongest opponent of the war.

In response, Jones and fellow Republican Robert W Ney called for the creation of cafeterias in the House of Representatives to rename French fries and breads "Fries Freedom" and "Pains Libres".

The two members of Congress succeeded and the new names were greeted with praise and derision in equal measure.

No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq and it was later revealed that the war was justified by erroneous information.

At the same time, Jones met families in mourning whose loved ones were killed in the war. This caused him a dramatic turnaround and he asked that the troops be brought home in 2005.

He repeatedly expressed with sincerity how deeply he regretted having supported the war, which had resulted in the death of more than 140,000 Iraqis and Americans.

"I have signed more than 12,000 letters to families and extended families who have lost loved ones in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. entrusted to NPR in 2017. "It was, for me, asking God to forgive me for my mistake."