French President Jacques Chirac sent a letter of apology to Britain's Queen Elizabeth yesterday over the defacement last week of British first World War military graves in northern France with anti-British slogans.
"These unacceptable and disgraceful acts are unanimously condemned by the French people. In the name of France and in my own name, please accept my deepest regrets," wrote President Chirac.
In words aimed at soothing the rift over France's opposition to the war the US and Britain are fighting in Iraq, Mr Chirac said: "Know that at a time when your soldiers are engaged in combat, the thoughts of the French are naturally with them."
Vandals last week sprayed anti-British slogans on a stone cross at the entrance of the cemetery in Etaples, near Calais.
"Dig up your rubbish, it is contaminating our soil," one slogan read. Another, in large red letters beneath a swastika, said: "Saddam will win and he will make you bleed."
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair praised Mr Chirac's gesture, saying: "We unreservedly welcome both the content and the sentiment of President Chirac's letter and the sentiment towards our troops serving in action at the moment." - (Reuters)
