- Title: France's Hollande congratulates Trump, warns of period of uncertainty
- Date: 9th November 2016
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (NOVEMBER 9, 2016) (AGENCY POOL) FRENCH PRESIDENT, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE, ARRIVING FOR NEWS BRIEFING WHITE FLASH (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE, SAYING: "I congratulate him as is natural between two democratic heads of state. I am thinking of Hillary Clinton, with whom I worked during the Obama presidency. This American election opens a period of uncertainty. I have to face it with a clear-head and clarity." WHITE FLASH (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE, SAYING: "The United States is a very important partner for France, and what's at stake is peace, the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East, economic relationships and the preservation of the planet. On all these matters, I will without delay engage in a discussion with the new American administration. It will take office on January 20. But I will do it with vigilance and frankness." WHITE FLASH (SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE, SAYING: "This new context, created by the American election, shows more than ever that France must be strong and take its responsibilities all around the world, as I have done since 2012. This context also calls for a united Europe, able to express itself and carry a policy everywhere its interests or its value are at stake." WHITE FLASH HOLLANDE LEAVING
- Embargoed: 24th November 2016 11:27
- Keywords: Hollande France Donald Trump Hillary Clinton U.S. election result
- Location: PARIS, FRANCE
- City: PARIS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA00257Q5D8N
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: PLEASE NOTE THIS EDIT CONTAINS WHITE FLASHES
French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday (November 9) congratulated Donald Trump on his shock victory in the U.S. presidential election, but warned the result would open up a period of uncertainty.
"I congratulate him as is natural between two democratic heads of state. I am thinking of Hillary Clinton, with whom I worked during the Obama presidency. This American election opens a period of uncertainty. I have to face it with a clear-head and clarity," Hollande said.
France would be vigilant and frank in its talks with the new administration on international issues, he said, adding that Trump's victory showed that France needed to be stronger and that Europe needed to be united.
A presidential official said Hollande had spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel before making his declaration. - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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