Former French President 79, said through a statement that lacks the strength to face a new trial.
Former French President Jacques Chirac (79) , sentenced to two years imprisonment for embezzlement conditional, "no appeal" to the ruling by the Correctional Tribunal of Paris, and is not strong enough for a new trial, but "categorically replicated" the trial against him, according to a statement released today. "Unfortunately, I have all the forces necessary to drive, with new judges, the battle for the truth. I say this with honor: no offense should Serme beyond reproach , "said the former president in the press release. Through his lawyers, the former president said he is "hurt" by the sentence, which he considers "unjust" but also believes that "the facts are very old" and a new process "would erode the presidential function," which starred between 1995 and 2007. "I am aware that what is at stake is not only the honor of a man, but the dignity of the president. I think that respect for our institutions requires calm again, "he said. Chirac was convinced that the French consider him "an honest man who has never had other demands and other battles that the cohesion of all the French, the greatness of France and the action for peace. " The former president was convicted of a series of fictitious employees hired by the municipality of Paris when he was at the top, but that actually worked for the Conservative party he led. The trial Chirac took so long because of presidential immunity enjoyed between 1995 and 2007, years when he was head of French state. Convicted of embezzlement, breach of trust and breach of trust, Chirac became the first French president to be convicted by the justice of his country. Reactions on the subject, addressed the current president, Nicolas Sarkozy , who said on his colleague that "we must not forget their" commitment "continued the service of France, which it will be worth and esteem of the French." In turn, the socialist candidate for the French presidency in elections next year, François Hollande also emphasized the human side of Chirac, while welcomed by judicial action that prevents "install the feeling of impunity" and regretted that has come so late.