…Colombia
- Communiqué issued by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, January 11, 2008
On the announcement of the release of Ms Clara Rojas and Ms Consuelo Gonzalez de Perdomo, my thoughts go first of all to their families whose joy I share.
This news delights all those relentlessly working to put an end to the suffering of the hostages held in Colombia.
I thank the President of Venezuela, Mr Hugo Chávez, for his commitment, the Colombian authorities for their full cooperation, the other countries which, with France, have joined in this collective action and the ICRC which ensured it went smoothly.
This event gives everyone further grounds for redoubling efforts, in France, in Colombia and elsewhere in the world to find, immediately, a humanitarian solution to a situation endangering the survival of the weakest hostages. It is becoming more urgent than ever to get Ingrid Betancourt, like her former campaign manager kidnapped with her on 23 February 2002, returned to her family.
For their part, the French authorities remain firmly determined to work tirelessly on any humanitarian solution allowing the release of all the hostages, in line with the commitment made by President Sarkozy.
Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 11, 2008
Q: What role did Argentina play in the happy outcome of the hostages’ release in Colombia?
You’re right to ask the question. Argentina actually had a very important role even though the release involved several parties. Many contributed to this happy outcome and among these countries we wish to salute in particular the courageous and effective involvement of the Argentine authorities, from President Maria Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to former President Nestor Kirchner and Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana.
Q: From the point of view of the Argentine press, the operation which involved them spending four days in Colombia was a fiasco that everyone knows. Were they deceived?
We all regretted that the final outcome didn’t happen then. Let’s look at what’s just happened. You know how overjoyed we all were at the release of the hostages. I refer you to the communiqué from the minister yesterday. (…)
The French authorities are firmly resolved to work tirelessly to find a humanitarian solution which will lead to the release of all the hostages
As we’ve said all along, we will contribute to everything that will result in reaching this humanitarian solution as quickly as possible.
Q: So once again, you’re asking for the help of the Argentine president and former president of that country?
We think everything should be encouraged that will hasten the liberation of the hostages. It is not our place to designate one or another specific person.
Q: In the minister’s communiqué and your statement, you mention Argentina. Am I to understand that the role played by Venezuela and Hugo Chavez takes a back seat?
No, that’s not the right interpretation. There too, I refer you to what President Sarkozy and the minister said. We thanked the president of Venezuela for his involvement, we thanked the Colombian authorities and we thanked everyone who had a part in this happy outcome. Your colleague asked a question about Argentina and I thanked him because it's true that Argentina made a very positive contribution. Let’s take a positive view. Just because we salute the contribution of one country doesn’t mean that we pay less tribute to the contribution of others. We salute the efforts of all who helped in the release of the hostages.
…Lebanon
- Statement made by the minister of foreign and European affairs, January 7, 2008
France welcomes the three-stage plan adopted by the foreign ministers of the Arab League member states meeting in Cairo to find a solution to the Lebanese political crisis.
The plan, based principally on the ideas which France has been helping to develop over the past few months, is a very positive, important development giving grounds for hope.
France calls on all the parties concerned to do the utmost to facilitate its concrete implementation so that the presidential election can be held immediately in a spirit of consensus, a government of national unity formed and a new electoral law adopted, thereby triggering a global solution to the political crisis in Lebanon.
France remains in contact with all the parties concerned, liaising with its partners, to facilitate the quest for such an agreement and is pursuing its close dialogue on the subject with the Arab League.”
- Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, January 9, 2008
France condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack today on soldiers, Irish specifically, of the Spanish contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) which injured two.
France reaffirms its complete support to UNIFIL which is carrying out a remarkable mission in southern Lebanon and thereby playing a key stabilizing role in this area.
In the same manner France vigorously condemns all actions that might have the effect of jeopardizing the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, and the security and stability of Lebanon, in particular rocket-fire targeting Israeli territory and the violations of the Blue Line. We call on all parties concerned to exercise the utmost restraint.
In these difficult circumstances, Lebanon needs a president more than ever. France recalls its support for the Arab League initiative for a solution to the current institutional crisis.
- Amr Moussa’s visit to Lebanon - Statement issued by Foreign and European Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, January 9, 2008
Tomorrow Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa is going to Beirut to present the Lebanese parties with the plan unanimously adopted by the League member states on Saturday with a view to resolving the crisis.
At this time, I would like to reaffirm to him France’s support for this plan which paves the way for a genuine political solution by making possible the immediate election of a president in a spirit of consensus, the formation of a national unity government and the adoption of an electoral law.
The events of the last few weeks, even hours, show that the situation in Lebanon remains fragile. Basically, and this is the conviction we share with the Arab countries and the rest of the international community, destabilizing this country is not in the interest of any party inside or outside Lebanon.
Following other attempts in close convergence with our efforts, the Arab plan, which Mr. Moussa is going to present, represents a very positive and promising development. It must be translated into reality as quickly as possible. France, Lebanon’s friend, invites all parties to work to this end.
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 11, 2008
Q: What can you tell us about what’s happening in Beirut with respect to Amr Moussa’s visit? Have you had any feedback on it?
We are encouraging everything that can help in the election of a consensus president. The Arab League has adopted a plan that we think can help very positively in identifying a solution with the election of the president, the formation of the government and a new electoral law. Amr Moussa has gone to Beirut. We hope this visit will lead to progress. There’s the deadline of January 12; we will have to see what happens and hope that a president is at last going to be elected as everyone wants.
Q: Are you in contact with the Arab League?
There are a great many contacts with Amr Moussa. The minister is in contact on a regular basis.
…Middle East
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 10, 2008
Q - Ousted Palestinian prime minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas has written a long letter to President Nicolas Sarkozy inviting France to help the Palestinians, saying he was in favor of "all international efforts” to improve regional security. What is France's response to the letter?
We confirm that Israel Haniyeh sent a letter to the president. Our position with respect to Hamas is known and hasn't changed. It is shared by our European partners. To normalize relations with the international community, Hamas must conform to the Quartet's principles.
We note that Mr. Haniyeh, in his message, places himself in the political perspective of, to quote him, "assuring security and stability in the region.”
We hope this step will lead to concrete acts in accordance with the three principles of the Quartet and towards the re-establishment of Palestinian legality as sought by President Abbas.
Q - Given President Sarkozy's position on Israel as a "symbol of diversity,” do you share President George Bush's point of view when he said yesterday the alliance with Israel helps "guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state”?
We consider that all questions linked to final status must be the subject of a negotiated agreement between the parties on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions.
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 11, 2008
Q: About Mr Bush’s trip to the Middle East. He’s called for a solution that takes into account what he called the reality of the situation on the ground. (…) Are you in favor of a withdrawal purely and simply from the territories in application of SCR 242 or do you favor some adjustments…?
What we encourage in this matter is dialogue between the parties so they can reach agreement, dialogue aided by the international community. I will simply say as we’ve said before that we condemn the continuation of settlements. This position is known. The subject is included in the discussions which will be taking place and which President Bush wished to encourage in traveling to the region.
Q: About the Palestinian economic situation. After the Paris Conference, have the funds been transferred to the Palestinian budget or not yet?
The situation in the Palestinian territories is difficult.
We know the situation. Discussions are beginning, and I will keep you informed on a regular basis. There are elements which are beginning to come into place, and a meeting is expected before the end of the month to take stock. I’ll let you know about it.
Q: Here in Paris?
Yes.
Q: President Bush said the UN system hasn’t worked in bringing peace in the Middle East and that some other system should be found. Does France share this position or does France still think the UN resolutions should be applied with regard to the Middle East?
It is essential to implement the UN resolutions and for the parties to discuss matters between themselves and reach an agreement. That was the idea of the conference in Annapolis and it was repeated at the donors’ conference in Paris. The solution depends on an agreement between the parties with the support of the international community. UN resolutions are obviously one of the bases for discussions.
Q: About the Palestinian state. How will it be established? Is the Security Council going to declare the establishment of the Palestinian state as it did for the state of Israel in 1947?
I can’t answer that question today, it’s part of the discussions. For now, what we have on the Palestinian and on the Israeli side is strong political will to discuss all these questions. Based on these discussions, we will be able to answer this type of question. It’s quite premature at this
…Kenya
Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 7, 2008
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs continues to follow closely the development of the situation in Kenya.
France welcomes the forthcoming visit to Nairobi by the current president of the African Union, John Kufuor, and offers him its full support in his effort to bring reconciliation. It calls for a solution aimed at fairness and balance of responsibilities.
Any initiative, especially constitutional, designed to stabilize the country, will have France’s support.
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 9, 2008
The post-election violence in Kenya has led to the deaths of hundreds and according to the United Nations affected some 500,000 people of whom 250,000 are displaced.
According to the estimate by UNHCR, 3,300 Kenyans have sought refuge in Uganda. According to initial assessments, the areas most affected are in the west of the country, in the Rift Valley. Nairobi and the port of Mombassa are also affected.
To help the most vulnerable populations, France is providing 700,000 euros in overall aid.
Of this, 200,000 euros will be made available to local partners so they can provide medical and food assistance to the residents of shanty-towns in Nairobi and the internally displaced in the west of the country.
And 150,000 euros are being given to Action Against Hunger (ACF) for a health program in Nakuru, in west Kenya.
Lastly, 350,000 euros in emergency food aid is being provided through other NGOs.
…Georgia
Q: What can you tell us about former Georgian minister Okruashvili who continues to insist that France should grant him political asylum?
According to our information, Mr. Okruashvili could arrive in France during the day.
The examination of requests for asylum are a matter in our country for the French office for the protection of refugees and stateless persons (OFPRA), an independent agency whose decisions are based on an independent and objective examination of the situation of applicants from the standpoint of conventional and legal criteria, in accordance with international agreements on the right of asylum and the ensuing national legislation.
In the circumstances, in conformity with international conventions, we can provide no information on individual cases.
…Sri Lanka
Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 8, 2008
France condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack that claimed the life of Sri Lanka’s Building Minister D.M. Dassanayake, and offers its condolences to the victims’ families and friends, and the Sri Lankan authorities.
It calls on all the parties involved in the crisis in Sri Lanka to re-establish political dialogue in order to resolve the crisis.
…Pakistan
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 10, 2008
Q - What's your response to the Bhutto family's call for an international inquiry into Benazir Bhutto's assassination? Do you give credence to Pakistan's judicial authorities?
The Pakistani government has opened an inquiry into Ms Bhutto's murder and requested the assistance of British experts from Scotland Yard who are on the spot now.
We are also ready to respond to any further demand for assistance from the Pakistani authorities.
…Iran
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 11, 2008
Q: The IAEA director-general is in Tehran. Do you have any hope for the visit or do you think there will be no result?
We are very hopeful as always when there are such contacts We urge Iran once again to respond to all the IAEA demands fully. As you know, we have a lot of questions about the Iranian program, especially the fact that Iran has said it has carried out experiments with a new generation of centrifuges. The IAEA demands answers and access to facilities. We hope that with this visit and Mr. ElBaradei’s involvement, we are going to see progress in this matter.
…United States/Iran
- Press briefing given by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, January 9, 2008
Q: Does France have any reaction after the incident in the Strait of Hormuz?
The incidents you’re referring to concern first of all relations between Iran and the United States. Consequently I refer you to the statements by the American authorities on this matter.
For our part, we call for calm in the situation. We call on the Iranians, who have a very important role to play in regional stability, to demonstrate a sense of responsibility.
Q: President George Bush yesterday called the action of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz last weekend a “provocation.” For his part, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Gholamali Haddadadel, considers the American accusations over the incident propaganda. How does France see the behavior of the two sides in this matter?
As I said yesterday, we call for an easing of tensions in the situation. We call on the Iranians, who have a very important role in regional stability, to show a sense of responsibility.
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