Madrid, Jan 17 (IANS/EFE) Spain’s King Juan Carlos has conferred the Order of the Golden Fleece on French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and praised him for his efforts against terrorist group ETA.

Before bestowing the honour on him and pinning the insignia on his lapel, identifying him as a Knight of the Order, the king noted how, in his relations with Spain, Sarkozy has contributed “in a constant, effective and generous way” to the war on terrorism.

Juan Carlos said the French president always came through “firmly and ably” to make sure France provided “the greatest possible political, judicial and police collaboration” with Spain “in order to end the terrorist violence”.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and his three immediate predecessors — Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Jose Maria Aznar and Felipe Gonzalez — attended the ceremony at the Royal Palace’s Hall of Columns.

Queen Sofia, Crown Prince Felipe and his wife, Princess Letizia, accompanied the king as he conferred the honor on the French president.

The Order of the Golden Fleece was created in 1429 by Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy, and passed eventually to the Spanish monarchy through marriage and inheritance.

Juan Carlos, who received the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1941, has bestowed the honour on many people, including Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, Emperor Akihito of Japan and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

–IANS/EFE
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