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Daily Press Briefing Statements made by [Please note that only the original French text issued by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be considered official.] GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL
The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC], Abdulrahman Al-Attiyah, will have a meeting with Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin today. Mr. Al-Attiyah is also due to see the secretary-general of the Quai d'Orsay today.
Mr. Al-Attiyah, who was Qatar's ambassador to France for eight years (1984-1992), has been secretary-general of the GCC since April 1, 2002, succeeding Jamil Al Hejailan of Saudi Arabia.
These meetings afford an opportunity to address the main international and regional questions and European-Union-GCC relations. The two organizations are linked by a cooperation agreement concluded in 1988 and have regular political dialogue; they held their last ministerial meeting in Grenada at the end of February. With regard to economic relations, a free trade agreement is under negotiation.
The "Quartet" (United States, Russia, United Nations, European Union) is meeting this afternoon in New York. A second meeting in an enlarged format to include the Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers is also scheduled.
The European Union, the U.S., Russia and the Arab states share common views on the priority objectives in the Middle East: the need to fight terrorism, the common objective of two states living side by side in peace and security, the need to reform the Palestinian system.
It is important to make the most of these convergences and also the elements where our views are complementary to overcome the current deadlock and move forward in the search for a solution.
The Quartet is the forum where these collective efforts can be made tangible. There is a key political role to play.
We expect today's meeting to define how to move forward on reforms in the Palestinian Authority and also how to move forward at the same time on the political level, towards a settlement of the conflict.
The Quartet has to acquire the means to achieve the objectives defined by deciding on a realistic timetable and process. Once again, re-establishing security, restoring a credible political perspective and reforming the Palestinian Authority must go hand in hand.
Mr. de Villepin said again today that the idea of an international conference is still valid: "A conference is the only way to provide the necessary momentum before the elections."
Q - Do you still maintain that Mr. Arafat is a valid interlocutor?
It's not for us to support this person or that. The objective fact is that at this time Mr. Arafat is the leader of the Palestinian people, and it's up to the Palestinians, and only them, to choose their leaders. Our position hasn't changed.
Q - Is it correct to say that Mr. Chirac's visit to Sochi is his first trip abroad since being re-elected?
I believe that is correct, objectively speaking. It's going to be his first bilateral visit since his re-election, and the Elysée will, I imagine, explain the importance it has for France and for our bilateral relations when the time comes, when the visit is presented.
Q - Isn't it a break with tradition? Wasn't the head of state's first bilateral visit reserved for Germany?
In the case of Germany, there's a perfectly clear timetable that calls for a summit in Schwerin at the end of the month. So I don't see any cause for speculating on the point. We are working on Franco-German relations. The president has made it clear that he attaches special importance to the relationship by supporting a new founding pact for the 40th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty at the beginning of next year.
Q - What about Franco-Russian bilateral relations?
As the minister said before, they're excellent.
We are currently preparing the president's visit to Russia. As you know, Mr. de Villepin, Ms Haigneré and Mr. Ferry have been to Moscow, in particular to prepare the visit.
We believe at this point that Franco-Russian relations have been given fresh stimulus with Mr. de Villepin's visit and ahead of the visit by the president.
Our main message is that France wishes to have a strong Russia for partner. It's important for France, for Europe, and for the stability and security of our world now.
Q - Do you have any comment on the continuing U.S. air strikes in the no-fly zones and the growing number of victims?
France's position on this is unchanged. Our reaction is to recall the doubts, the questions we've had for a long time about these actions and air strikes.
Q - France has repeatedly expressed a commitment to Iraq's territorial integrity. Do you see the strikes as an attack on its integrity?
We have doubts and questions about it, and furthermore, our position is unchanged. The situation is not as simple as that since these are actions the Americans and British say are intended to enforce compliance with the air-exclusion zones.
Q - What is France's reaction to the conference that's just been held in London?
Q - Do you consider that the establishment of a military committee abroad is going to promote a peaceful settlement?
In our view, what's essential today is for Iraq to implement the Security Council resolutions and agree to the inspectors' unconditional return, in the conditions laid down by the Security Council, since our objectives have not changed: to guarantee regional stability and security and end the suffering of the Iraqi people. Of course, we think it is desirable for there to be democratic and peaceful change in Iraq and everywhere else. With that said, it is for the Iraqi people to decide on their future.
Q - Do you have any comment about the conflict between Spain and Morocco over Perejil?
The minister stated his position this morning. I'm recalling from memory what he said:
"Morocco and Spain are both very close friends of France. Quite obviously the European Union, and France naturally, intend to play a moderating role to encourage both these states to settle this dispute between them peacefully, that's quite evident."
I've nothing further to add to that statement.
Q - Are we to understand that France plans to mediate, that the mediation may have already started?
The European Union and France intend to play a role of moderation and encouragement. We did not mention mediation.
Q - Were you surprised by Morocco's stance?
We are especially attentive about preventing disputes that may come up between two countries we are friendly with from becoming complicated, so that matters can be resolved peacefully.
The Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Noëlle Lenoir, met today with Pavel Telicka, First Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic and chief negotiator for his country's membership in the European Union. The meeting afforded an opportunity to review the state of progress in the negotiations with the Czech Republic and to assess the prospects in coming months, especially ahead of the European Council in Copenhagen.
Ms Lenoir assured Mr. Telicka that France was committed to standing by the Czech Republic to ensure the success of these negotiations and accepted his invitation to make a visit to his country in the near future./.
Embassy of France, July 16, 2002
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