Chirac bids adieu after 45 years in politics

After 45 years in politics, French President Jacques Chirac, long a champion of ties with China and well known for his interest in Chinese culture, is bidding goodbye.

In a televised address on Sunday night, Chirac, 74, who boasts one of the longest continuous political careers in Europe twice president, twice prime minister and 18 years as mayor of Paris said he was proud of what he had achieved, but would not stand again in next month's French presidential election.

"At the end of my mandate, the moment will have come for me to serve you otherwise. I will not seek your backing for a new mandate," he said in a somber, 10-minute speech.