Reaction of M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, following the release of a French national held in Iraq

(Paris, 8 January 2006)

M. Bernard Planche was released yesterday in Baghdad. President Chirac is delighted by this happy outcome. He has personally informed Mlle Isabelle Planche, his daughter, and M. Gilles Planche, his brother.

President Chirac thanks the coalition forces who made this release possible. He expresses his gratitude to all those who were actively involved.

Our compatriot is going to be looked after by the staff of the French Embassy in Baghdad and to return to France./.