Today's Date:

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As regards M. Frédéric Nérac, we took immediate steps the moment we heard about our compatriot and his assistant's disappearance on 22 March near Basra in Iraq. The Ministry's services are in contact with everyone able to provide any information. In the region, French diplomatic personnel, in Baghdad as well as in Kuwait, are checking every possible source of information, and this mission is among the priorities entrusted to our diplomatic representative in Iraq. In London, our diplomatic staff are in regular contact with ITN and the British investigators. As you point out, the government sought the assistance of the British and American governments. Mr Jack Straw opened an official investigation in London on 27 May. Colin Powell undertook to pass on all the information in his possession. So far we have not received any new information. (...)./.