Letter of thanks to people of Gibraltar from France

On December 17, French president Francoise Holland wrote the following letter to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Dear Chief of Government,

I was very touched by the terms of your letter of support that you so kindly sent me, on behalf of the Government and people of Gibraltar, following the terrible attacks which left France in mourning last 13 November. I thank you, most sincerely.

These despicable attacks have caused many victims. It is the very soul of France that these murderers were targeting. They wanted to kill our values of tolerance, peace and liberty, values which we shall never surrender.

You can rest assured that we will not allow ourselves to be impressed by horror. Far from making us doubt, these cowardly and abhorrent acts strengthen our determination to eradicate terrorism.

In these particularly difficult times, the messages of friendship and solidarity that we have received from the entire planet, such as yours, are an invaluable assistance in our fight against hatred and barbarism.

Please believe, Mr Chief of Government, the assurances of my highest consideration.