Today's Date:

My dear compatriots,

For a week, kidnappers have held two French journalists, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, in Iraq. And it is to them, their families and friends that I want to express, on behalf of all the French, our solidarity and our determination. As I speak, we have no further information.

But both were in Iraq to inform the public about the real situation of the country and its people.

Yesterday, their kidnappers presented France with an ultimatum.

From the first day, every step – I mean every step – has been taken to secure their release.

The government, on the Prime Minister's authority, is totally mobilized. The Foreign Minister is leaving for the region immediately in order to develop there the necessary contacts and coordinate on the spot our representatives' efforts.

Today, the whole nation has closed ranks, since at stake are the lives of two Frenchmen, the defence of the freedom of expression, and also our Republic's values.

France is the home of human rights. France is a land of tolerance. France ensures equality, respect, the protection of the freedom to exercise every religion in the framework of our law, which is the same for all. This tradition, anchored in our history, cements our national cohesion.

These values of respect and tolerance inspire our action throughout the world as at home. It is they too which inspired France's policy in Iraq.

And I want to salute the unanimous reaction of the representatives of the Muslims of France in defence of these principles, principles they have inherited with all their fellow citizens.

It is with the strength born of this national unity that I solemnly ask for the release of Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot. Everything is being done and will be done in the coming hours and days to achieve this./.