THE AUSTRALIAN: PRESIDENT Jacques Chirac bade an emotional farewell to the French people today, proclaiming his love for "this great ... this magnificent nation" and pride at accomplishing his mission.
“I hand over to Nicolas Sarkozy with pride in a completed duty and great confidence in the future of our country,” said the President, who today closes 12 years in office and hands over to his former subordinate.
“It has been a very great honour to serve you,” he said, talking of the “strength of the link-which has bound me to every one of you”. Chirac departs with a plea for unity (more) By Charles Bremner
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