Today's Date:

Iraq/release of French hostages

Paris, December 22, 2004

Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, on the release of Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot . (excerpts)

I would like to call your attention to what Foreign Minister Barnier said last night in the Senate: “A few words on a more personal note to express my joy at the release of our compatriots. For 124 days I thought of them hour after hour and acted thinking of them, I was only doing my job, in very close cooperation with the president and prime minister.

“I would like to pay tribute to the patience and dignity of the families and thank all those who mobilized, associations, journalists, countless citizens and authorities in the Middle East. I was also struck by the solidarity and civic sense displayed by all the political parties in our country. At such moments, that unanimity was precious. Lastly I had the privilege of working with men and women, in Paris, and in Iraq, and with officials of the state who were a credit to France.”

Q. At what time is Mr. Barnier due to arrive in France with the two French ex-hostages?

The plane carrying the minister and French ex-hostages will arrive in France early this evening; the time will be given out as soon as possible.