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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.] LEBANON
We’ve taken note of the announcement by the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament of the 17th postponement of the parliamentary session that was supposed to elect a president of the Lebanese Republic. France, with Lebanon’s other partners, expresses its concern at this further postponement and the prospect of thus seeing the election delayed another four weeks.
It is now more than four months since Lebanon has had a president even though an agreement in principle was reached at the beginning of September on the election of a consensus candidate in the person of Michel Suleiman.
Just days ahead of the Arab League summit, France reaffirms the support it has provided, along with the European Union, to the plan that was unanimously adopted by the Arab League states in January, the first point of which provides for the presidential election to be held without delay. We regret that Lebanon cannot be represented at the Arab summit by a president.
(…)
We reaffirm our support for the Arab League plan and we reaffirm our hope that Lebanon will very soon have a president.
Q - Usually you make a point of expressing your full support for the Siniora government.
The Siniora government has our complete support, and I reiterate it since you’ve given me the opportunity to do so.
(…)
Q - Can you tell us about French support for the operation, especially concerning the transport of certain African troops?
We were committed to providing transport for those who asked for it, i.e. the Tanzanians and the Senegalese.
Q - So you can assure us that your action is limited to that?
Absolutely. So far we’ve provided transport for the Tanzanians. The operation is taking place as scheduled.
(…)
Q - Do you have any figures for the transport of African troops?
We’ve taken 480 Tanzanians so far. The Sudanese were offered transport by the Libyans. We also delivered 20 tons of freight to Moroni.
(…)
Q - The situation in the Comoros is on the agenda for the Arab League summit in Damascus. Has the Arab League been in touch with you about this?
No. We’ll see what happens. We support the legitimate authorities and we’re acting in close liaison with the African Union.
Q - What does France think of the pact that’s just been signed between Hamas and Fatah?
We saw that talks had started. We support everything that can help dialogue and advance peace in the region, but I don’t have the exact results of these talks.
Q - Given the present situation in the Middle East, do you have any comment? It’s been several days since you said anything.
We hope the talks between the Palestinian Authority and the Israelis continue. We hope that all this will lead to progress towards peace.
Q - About Tibet. Has a final decision been made in France about boycotting the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games or not?
First of all, the Olympic Games are in August. We’ve time ahead of us and we hope that the situation will improve. Also, the minister spoke about this on the radio again this morning, and I refer you to what he said. France calls for dialogue between the Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama. In consultation with the Slovenian presidency, we made a point of making sure the issue is discussed at the informal meeting of the 24 EU foreign ministers in Slovenia this Friday and Saturday. You asked me about a final decision, but we’re first going to talks things over with our European partners. I also want to call your attention to a wire story that China is due to organize a trip to Tibet for journalists--it’s probably an initial response to the many appeals made by the minister. One of the minister’s requests was precisely to open Tibet to the press so that people know what’s happening there, so everything is out in the open. So the Chinese seem to have decided to welcome journalists in coming days.
Q - Will Rama Yade receive the Dalai Lama?
I’ve nothing to add to what she said, and said clearly.
Q - What is France’s position on the system of autonomy which is currently applied in Tibet?
Tibet is part of China, and the Dalai Lama doesn’t contest it. He’s not seeking Tibet’s independence but wishes to see Tibet’s cultural and spiritual identity truly recognized. There’s no question for him of going beyond autonomy status. What we’re asking when we call for dialogue between the Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama and his representatives is also to ensure that Tibet’s cultural and spiritual identity is carefully preserved.
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Q - Several European countries convened the Chinese ambassador. Will there be a similar decision at the Quai d’Orsay?
The minister spoke by telephone with his Chinese counterpart. He told him of our call for dialogue and concern that Tibet’s cultural and spiritual identity should be preserved. This was made very clear to the Chinese authorities.
Q - It’s not the same step phoning his counterpart to give him a message as summoning an ambassador.
Our concern in this matter is to speak with the Chinese authorities, to have a dialogue with them. A dialogue in order to invite them to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama and his representatives. What’s important, regardless of the form it takes, is to enable this dialogue to be held and the situation to be improved. Let’s hope that things do get better. It is essential for there to be this dialogue, for us to convey to the Chinese authorities what is important for us with respect to human rights and Tibet’s identity.
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Q - Is France’s involvement in Afghanistan going to be confirmed? Are you waiting for the April 4 summit?
Yes, you have to wait. It’s President Sarkozy who’ll be announcing his decisions.
Q - Is the prospect of this involvement likely to be developed?
I refer you to what the minister said this morning. It’s the president who’ll be announcing his decisions in detail.
Q - What’s your analysis of the situation at this time? Are we heading towards a solution?
We decided to convene a conference in Paris in June in support of Afghanistan. The minister told you about it last Tuesday. Our objective is to have a really comprehensive, political and strategic approach. This will be the aim of the conference. Also, Afghanistan is to be the main question at the NATO summit in Bucharest at the beginning of April. I think you’ll have all the answers to your questions then.
(…)./.
Embassy of France, March 25, 2008
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