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Letter from M. Jacques CHIRAC, President of the Republic, to M. George W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, on the fifth anniversary of the 11 september terrorist attacks.
LE PRÉSIDENT DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
Paris, 10 September 2006.
Mr President, Dear George,
Five years ago, terrorism struck New York and the United States in the form of attacks of an incredible violence.
Revolted by these attacks, the hearts of the entire French people went out to the Americans in this ordeal, and at the UN, the entire world rallied to the side of the American people.
Having decided to visit immediately the US to demonstrate France's solidarity, I will never forget the terrible sight of Ground Zero a few days later, the poignant sorrow of New Yorkers paying a magnificent and spontaneous tribute to the victims in Union Square, the admirable courage of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and the dignity, heroism and sacrifice of the rescue workers, police officers and fire-fighters that Paris acclaimed on the Champs-Elysées the following Bastille Day on 14 July. Our meeting in Washington on 18 September sealed the agreement between our two countries to combat terrorism.
In these days of sorrowful commemoration, I would like to express the French people's friendship and solidarity with the American people. Together we commune in our remembrance of the victims, their families and their loved ones. Together we pay tribute to all the victims of terrorism throughout the world. Together we will pursue our resolute combat against this scourge that nothing can ever justify.
Please accept, Mr President, the expression of my highest consideration.
My cordial solidarity.
Jacques CHIRAC
Monsieur George W. BUSH
President of the United States of America
(handwritten)
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