French President reaffirms his support for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide

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Your Holiness,

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You were so kind as to send me a congratulatory letter upon my election as president of the Republic of France. I express my warm gratitude on this occasion.

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I feel honored that the French people elected me as a president of the republic and will do my best to prove worthy of the trust shown towards me.

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You and all Armenians living around the world can be assured that our approach towards the Armenian people will continue. I will exert all efforts to strengthen the centuries-old ties that have formed the French-Armenian friendship on all levels as well as defend the common values that bind that friendship.

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I am touched that you referred to my position on the Genocide. In fact, I believe the recognition of the Genocide by Turkey is a moral responsibility. You can be certain that I will continue to speak out and work on this issue with full commitment.

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This commitment is related to the broad struggle on human rights that France has the honor to fight. I am also touched that you refer to that struggle, which will form one of the axis of the diplomatic activities held under my authority.

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Alongside the commitments I made during the electoral campaigns was a strong support of France for Lebanon. In the name of the French-Lebanese centuries-old friendship that binds the two countries together, France will always defend the sovereignty, independence and integrity of Lebanon.

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It would be a great honor for me to meet you during your next trip to France or my visit to Lebanon.

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Once again, I thank you for your congratulatory letter and express my profound respect to Your Holiness.

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