From the very beginning, the American dream meant proving to all mankind that freedom, justice, human rights and democracy were no utopia but were rather the most realistic policy there is and the most likely to improve the fate of each and every person.

Canadians are friends and Quebecers are my family. What France knows deep down is that within this great Canadian people, there is a Quebec nation. I do not see how proving my family, brotherly love for Quebec should be strengthened by defying Canada.

France now has a new president and he must be respected. I assume full responsibility for this defeat.

Nothing - I mean nothing - and no-one - I mean no-one - will stop me going through to the end, and trying to be ready for the challenge of 2007.

I am not a man of my party. I do not talk only to socialists and union leaders.

I'm ready to become a French person amongst French people, and more than ever I have the love for my country deeply ingrained in my heart.

A page is turning for me. I won't be candidate in legislative elections, nor in any elections to come.