Marrakech – French President Nicolas Sarkozy extended gratefulness to HM King Mohammed VI and to Moroccan authorities for their efforts to arrest the perpetrator of the terrorist attack on the Argana Café and bring justice to the victims.
In a message to the participants in the commemoration ceremony in memory of the victims of the attack, the French President extended heartfelt thanks to HM King Mohammed VI for his deep concern over this tragedy.
“Thanks to the remarkable efficiency of the Moroccan investigators and judges, justice has been rendered and the Republic (of France) fulfilled its duty ( ). It did so with the unwavering support of the Moroccan authorities, with whose availability and humanity we are deeply touched, ” President Sarkozy said.
The French head of state expressed his country’s gratitude to all the Moroccans who evinced, in such a tragic event, full solidarity and the strength of the friendly ties binding the two peoples.
“If the terrorist intended by his act to drive us apart, he has in fact brought us further closer. In the face of terrorism which can hit anywhere in the world, we are more than ever united,” he went on to say.
President Sarkozy extended condolences to the families of the French victims, noting that at the same time “France will neither forget the Moroccan, Canadian and European victims of this horrible act, nor the injured.”
The commemoration ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the terrorist attack that hit a year ago the Argana Café leaving 17 dead and 21 injured, including Moroccan and foreign nationals, was held in Arst Al Bilk in the mythical square of Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech.
The ceremony was marked by a message addressed by HM King Mohammed VI and read out by Justice and Liberties Minister Mustafa Ramid.
On the same occasion, a stele bearing the names of the 17 victims who were killed in the terrorist attack was inaugurated and an olive tree was planted as a symbol of peace.
The mourners laid wreaths on the commemorative plaque and 17 doves were flown by popular artists in the Jemaa El Fna square.
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