Vive la France: Je Suis Nice

Hours after National Day celebration, tragic events in France turn memory of event sour

ISLAMABAD: What started as a day of celebration for French people around the world turned into a national tragedy by the evening, as a terrorist in a truck ran over and then shot at hundreds of people in Nice, killing at least 84 and injuring at least 60 others before the police eliminated him.

Hours earlier, at the National Day celebration on Thursday in Islamabad, French Ambassador Martine Dorance had mentioned the threats facing the world and emphasised the importance of the motto of the French Republic — liberty, equality, and fraternity.

“Today when the world faces so many challenges, we may keep in mind those three words,” she said.

The ambassador had started her speech by delivering a welcome message in French in which she noted that the event would not be followed by a ball, which is the tradition in France,  but would feature famous French products such as cheeses and charcuterie (preserved meat products), which she also clarified was all Halal.

Next, in Urdu, she welcomed guests and explained that a number of French companies active in Pakistan had come forward to support the event, and had allowed the consular offices in Karachi and Lahore to host similar events.

Speaking in English, she paid tribute “to the Pakistan-French Business Alliance and to the Pakistan-French Business Council for their dedication in enhancing bilateral relationship.”

She then spoke of French support for Pakistan, and the world’s efforts to address climate change.

“If we talk about sustainability, we need to talk also about climate change. Last December, in Paris, the world reached the historic achievement of adopting a universal agreement on climate change. As France is holding the Presidency of COP21 for a year, we are committed to sustain this momentum, as we did in 2015 in Pakistan. The French Agency for Development, which invests in green energy since 2006 in Pakistan, funding many hydroelectricity projects, will expand its scope of action to climate change mitigation and adaption throughout the year.”

She also expressed the “friendship and gratitude of the French people to the people of Pakistan for their warm hospitality and best wishes for their continuing prosperity. France looks forward to continue building on this positive cooperation along with its Pakistani partners.”

In her speech, she also mentioned that In less than a year, French President Francois Hollande has met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif twice, and that the number of Pakistanis choosing France as a destination for higher learning continues to rise.

The chief guest, Zahid Hamid, who is the minister for climate change and for law and justice, spoke of French support and cooperation on a range of bilateral and regional issues, with specific mention of the EU, where France supported Pakistan in granting it GSP+ trade incentives.

He also mentioned food, automobiles, and other sectors where further cooperation was possible.

He praised the French embassy’s role in creating environmental awareness, noting that “the ministry and the embassy are working closely on this...and the Green Pakistan Programme.”

Hamid also praised the value France places in liberty, equality, and fraternity and highlighted their importance.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and and EU Ambassador Jean-François Cautain were also present for the cake-cutting.

The large number of politicians, diplomats, and businesspersons were very appreciative of the well managed event, and especially of the stations on which traditional French appetisers, entrees, and desserts were being prepared.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2016.