NANTES, France (AFX) - The French economy, with its European partners, has the means to overcome its present difficulties, said the Prime Minister Lionel Jospin at a meeting of socialist members of parliament. He said the attacks on the US had sharply increased uncertainty over the economy. However, he highlighted France's strong competitive position, the strong financial position of most companies, the fall in inflation and the improvement in public finances as reasons to be optimistic. "We must not let a climate of morosity or fatalism take hold," he said. "I have confidence in our collective capability to cross this moment of incertitude." Jospin said the 2002 budget was aimed at growth but added: "We will use all flexibility possible in the budget to reinforce our employment policy and if it is necessary, to help the sectors of the economy which are affected by the economic situation and by the consequences of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington."