A grovelling John Kerry hugged and kissed French president Francois Hollande in a show of contrition after nobody important from the White House joined a solidarity march in the wake of the terror attack on Paris. The Secretary of State even brought back-up for his visit in the form of singer James Taylor, who patched up the United States's oldest diplomatic relationship with a rendition of 'You've got a friend'. Arriving at the presidential Elysée Palace, Kerry reached out his hands for Hollande, embraced him closely, then appeared to kiss him on the cheek in an awkward display for the cameras.
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Contrite Secretary of State arrived in Paris for belated show of unity
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Followed White House choice not to send anyone important to Paris march
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Hugged and kissed cheek of president Hollande in cringeworthy greeting
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Spoke in mostly-fluent French, but stumbled over difficult word
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Brought along James Taylor for musical accompaniment on make-up visit
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Kerry said yesterday he would not apologise for earlier snub
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But French foreign minister confirmed Kerry already said sorry
Kerry also met with Hollande, who thanked Kerry for his country's support as the two undertook a very public show of togetherness outside the @placeholder.