His Excellency Francois Delattre, the Ambassador of the French Republic, returned to International Student House on the evening of April 16, 2013 to address residents and friends on France’s January 2013 military intervention in Mali and the rise of Islamic insurgencies in North Africa. The conversation following Ambassador Delattre’s remarks was led by former Representative James L. Oberstar, who was awarded the rank of Commander in the National Order of Merit by the government of France in 2012. ISH resident Pierre Malafosse introduced the Ambassador, highlighting his background in defense issues and European and transatlantic security concerns. The conversation focused on the strategic interests of France in Northern Africa and the security implications of Islamic insurgency for Europe as a whole.
His Excellency had served as the Diplomatic Chair of the 2012 International Student House Gala, and graciously hosted a group of residents and members of the board of directors at the official residence in the fall of 2012.
