Sentence:  Sarkozy gave a defiant speech, going on the offensive and betraying no hint of having been beaten. He styled the result as a "crisis" vote, by a French population which was "suffering". In a clear <WSD>overture</WSD> to Le Pen's voters, and the extreme-right motto of loving France, he said: "I call on all French people who put love of their country above partisan considerations, to unite and join me." 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc. (from 15th c.)