Today's Date:

Letter from Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, to Oscar Berger, President of Guatemala, in the wake of Hurricane Stan in Central America

Paris, October 8, 2005

Dear [handwritten] President Berger,

I was extremely shocked to learn of the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Stan in Central America, and Guatemala in particular.

At this difficult time, I want to express to you my wholehearted solidarity and ask you to convey my most sincere condolences to the bereaved.

At this difficult time, more than ever before, France stands at your country’s side. I am endeavouring to speed up our contribution to Guatemala’s WFP programme for malnourished children.

(complimentary close, with handwritten addition)./.