In an attempt to underline Franco-American friendship (which, as you may have noticed, could do with a little underlining these days) Bertrand Delanoë, the mayor of Paris, announced that the city is to erect a statue of the famed francophile, Thomas Jefferson. He made the announcement during a visit by Anthony Williams, the mayor of Washington D.C.
Jefferson, who lived on my street considered France "the natural ally" of the United States.
"My wish is that this installation be a symbol of the strength of friendship between the American and French peoples, that it rises above politics," Delanoë announced. He then recognised that there is "much mis-understanding at the moment" between the two countries.
The original piece is here