France is bidding farewell to its former President Jacques Chirac,.. one of the country's dominant leaders who advocated European unity.... who passed away on Thursday.
French President Emmanuel Marcon described hims as "a great Frenchman."
Our Choi Si-young has has more.
Jacques Chirac died at the age of 86 on Thursday, after serving France as President from 1995 to 2007.
He also served as prime minister on two occasions and was the Mayor of Paris for nearly two decades.
Chirac drew both domestic and international acclaim for his strong opposition to French involvement in the Iraq War.
At the time, he said "War is always a last resort. It is always proof of failure."
He was also the first French leader to acknowledge France's role in the Holocaust.
While in office, he pressed for a more federal Europe within the European Union,... often dubbed the "United Europe of States."
And as a counterweight to the U.S. global dominance, Chirac also supported the United Nations and multipolarism.
Despite an embezzlement conviction after his presidency, Chirac remained popular and France will hold a national day of mourning on Monday.
Choi Si-young, Arirang News.