French president’s role in fight against terror

IN the interest of truth I would like to react against the assimilation of President Jacques Chirac as one of the “politicians helping the terrorists’ cause” in an article by Rónán Mullen (Irish Examiner, October 13).

I do respect the expression of political disagreements, but the matter of terrorism is so serious that we cannot encourage such a kind of amalgam.

As you are aware, France has been hit by terrorist groups several times in the past and Mr Chirac - more than anyone else - has always clearly voiced his determination to fight against their criminal activities.

As for Iraq, France’s position is, as you know, unequivocal and did not change since the beginning of the war. It has been reaffirmed on numerous occasions and is today shared by a great many governments in the world. Needless of course to remind your readers that two French colleagues of Mr Mullen’s are being held hostage in Iraq.

Frédéric Grasset

Ambassador of France

36 Ailesbury Road

Dublin 4