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

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

Nicolas Sarkozy The following is the English translation of the text of the letter of President of the French Republic, H.E. Nicolas Sarkozy sent to His Holiness Aram I.

?

His Holiness Aram I
Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia
Antelias, Lebanon

?

Your Holiness,

?

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.

?

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.

?

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.

?

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.

?

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.

?

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.

?

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

?

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

?

Nicolas SARKOZY

?

Source: Catholicoste of Cilicia newsletter number 60/07, 15 June 2007
Website:
www.cathcil.org
Website of Nicolas Sarkozy: http://www.sarkozy.fr