French President Sends Letter Of Appreciation

“During these particularly difficult times, messages of friendship and solidarity received from around the world, such as yours today, are a precious help in our fight against hate and barbarity,” French President François Hollande said in a letter to Premier Michael Dunkley.

Following the attacks in Paris late last year which left over 130 people dead, Premier Michael Dunkley wrote to President Hollande to formally express condolences on behalf of Bermuda, saying, “the people of Bermuda share the distress, the sadness and the horror experienced by the people of France.”

President Hollande has replied, and according to a translation, the letter said, “Dear Mr. Dunkley, I was very moved by your words of support that you addressed to me following the terrible November 13th attacks that plunged France into mourning. I would like to offer you my sincere thanks.

“These vile attacks resulted in numerous victims. It is upon the very soul of France that these assassins sought to inflict damage,” added President Hollande. “It was our values of tolerance, peace and liberty, which we will never abandon, that they wanted to destroy.

“Be assured that we will not allow ourselves be intimidated by horror. Far from shaking our resolution, these cowardly and despicable acts strengthen our resolve to eradicate terrorism.

“During these particularly difficult times, messages of friendship and solidarity received from around the world, such as yours today, are a precious help in our fight against hate and barbarity. Please accept my thanks once again. Sincerely, François Hollande.”

The Premier took the opportunity today to especially thank Bermuda’s French Consul Nicole Haziza for all her assistance between Bermuda and France.

The letter from President Hollande follows below in French [PDF here]:

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