The Eastern Christians are worried. Worried about their survival in a region they have lived in for 2,000 years. Worried about their rights being respected at a time of major upheaval. Worried about heightened religious tensions. I want to tell them that I understand them, that I understand their fears.

For centuries, France has had a special mission with respect to the Eastern Christians. It will not shy from it. That is why in January 2011, President Sarkozy established the framework of our policy, emphasizing that “well beyond the East,” the fate of the Eastern Christians symbolizes “the challenges of the globalized world we have irrevocably entered.” Our vision is clear: There can be no true democratic revolution without the protection of minorities. The Eastern Christians are destined to remain in their region. They are destined to help build their future, as they have always done in the past.

This is not a new issue. It has existed for centuries. But it has become more and more dramatic in recent years. Continue lendo →