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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.] SUDAN
The protocol signed on July 20 at Machakos (Kenya) between the government of the Republic of the Sudan and the SPLM/SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Movement / Sudan People's Liberation Army) is an important step towards a comprehensive, lasting peace settlement in the Sudanese conflict.
In its bilateral contacts with the Sudanese parties and in the context of the renewed EU-Sudanese dialogue, France has consistently advocated a negotiated solution to the Sudanese conflict and as a member of the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] forum supports the mediation conducted by Kenya on behalf of IGAD. It is taking part in the international monitoring of the cease-fire concluded in Monts Nouba in January 2002 which is helping to bring about a more favorable climate for the peace efforts.
It welcomes the progress made following this new round of negotiations.
It encourages the parties to redouble their efforts when talks resume in August in order to achieve an agreement that satisfies in a lasting manner the aspirations of all the communities in the whole of the Sudan.
I would like to read the communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 20:
"France welcomes the agreement between Morocco and Spain over the island of Perejil/Leila.
"The agreement provides for a return to the status quo ante; this is consistent with reason.
"France also welcomes the resumption of dialogue between the two countries."
Q - Can you tell us about the meeting the French consul general in Washington had with Mr. Zacarias Moussaoui?
Mr. Moussaoui asked for consular protection, and our consul general in Washington visited him in that context on Friday, July 19.
The meeting enabled our representative to discuss the conditions in which our compatriot is being held and his state of health.
The French services are in contact with his family.
May I remind you that consular protection is afforded in the context of the 1963 Vienna Convention on consular relations, article 36, permitting us to see the conditions of detention and the situation of compatriots held in prison and check that they have the benefit of the right to defense.
Q - What was discussed at the meeting?
It's not our practice to reveal the content of conversations under consular protection which by their nature are personal./.
Embassy of France, July 22, 2002
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