Chirac bids an emotional farewell to French people

Like an ageing actor taking a final curtain call, President Jacques Chirac gave a brief, and emotional, farewell to the French people last night. --- In a five-minute, live television address, M. Chirac said he was leaving office with "the pride of duty accomplished and with great confidence in the future of our country". By remaining united as a family, he said, France could - despite its "many divergences" - remain a "leader in Europe" and a beacon of respect for human rights in the world.