In 1991, Dr Raby establishedin DFAT the Northeast Asia Analytical Unit which subsequentlybecame the east Asia Analytical Unit. He was head ofthe Unit from 1991 to 1993.
Mr Raby is mayor of Segonzac, the little town which is at the heart of the Grande Champagne, the stretch of vines that produces unquestionably the greatest cognacs in the world.
"In the 18th Century, that model of religious tolerance based on a state with diverse cultures, but no single dominant religion, became a model for the founding fathers, " said Mr Raby.