Condemning the “blind, cowardly and inhuman” terror attacks in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, French President Nicholas Sarkozy, in a personal letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, offered cooperation in the fight against terrorism.“Our two countries will have the opportunity to examine soon the reinforcement of our cooperation in this area during our strategic dialogue scheduled on August 11, 2008 in Paris. Should you so desire, we could raise the substance of this issue together during the upcoming EU-India Summit and the Indo-French Summit which we will hold in Marseille, then Paris, in September (this year),” Sarkozy said, adding, “kindly accept the expression of my high and friendly consideration”.In his personal note, the French president added “and friendly” in his own handwriting.“As the holder of the Presidency of the European Union, I considered it important for Europe to condemn firmly these blind, cowardly and inhuman attacks. On this occasion, I wish to assure you of the full solidarity of the 27 Member-States of the EU and their determination to fight alongside the Indian Government to eradicate the scourge of terrorism,” wrote the French President, also current president of the European Union.Sarkozy, who visited India early this year, wrote, “I learnt with deep grief the dastardly attacks which struck India, in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, on July 25 and 26. I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to you, as well as to the Indian people and particularly the families of the victims.”France has always been supportive of India at the global stage as well, with the French moving India’s bid to the permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council. France is also one of the few countries which has concluded its negotiations on the civilian nuclear energy cooperation agreement with India, and is waiting for the IAEA and NSG clearances.
