Today's Date:

Paris, October 25, 2004

(...)

IRAQ/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE/ELECTION

Q. – (...) An international conference on Iraq is going to be held in Sharm el Sheikh bringing together representatives from the neighbouring countries, the G8, UN, Islamic Organization and Arab League. You have called for this conference to talk about the goal, reportedly the departure of troops from Iraq. This isn't mentioned in the draft communiqué, will it influence the level of your participation in it?

THE MINISTER – We want to be constructive and, with the other European countries, see the end of this spiral of violence and terror we're witnessing every day and which, moreover, is making the release of our two compatriots so difficult – since it's also one of the reasons for the difficulty: the instability, insecurity in Iraq. So we have to find the way out of this situation. We'll do so through negotiation, discussion, political means, a political process and thus, at some point, through elections and, when the time comes, the withdrawal of the international troops, particularly the American ones.

Yes, I think that, for this conference to be useful – I'm not laying down any preconditions, France isn't laying down any preconditions, but we can say under what conditions a conference of this sort will succeed and the extent to which it can be useful –, I think we have to stick to the goal of the elections, because it's the crucial stage for democracy in Iraq and the country's sovereignty.

Q. – Do you think they can take place next January and as things are at the moment?

THE MINISTER – It's going to be difficult, but we think the utmost has to be done to allow them to take place on schedule, because ascertaining the views of the people is an essential stage. And, at some point or other, I think we also have to talk about the withdrawal of the foreign troops since that will be the true sign of the return of sovereignty.

I think too that, somehow or other, the political forces, all the communities, all the groups in Iraq who renounce violence and want to embrace a democratic process must be involved in this conference.

Q. – But what's your definition of a group renouncing violence? The resistance today, some resistance groups currently using violence may, tomorrow, say that they are stopping doing so?

THE MINISTER – If you want stability, democracy and sovereignty to return in Iraq, all those using violence there will certainly have to renounce it and all those who so wish must be offered the possibility of being included in a democratic process. Of course, the prerequisite is the renunciation of violence in order to embrace a democratic and political process. That's what I can say today.

ISRAEL/GAZA

Q. – You've been to Israel, and during the visit, you hailed as courageous Ariel Sharon's plan to evacuate Gaza and a part of the Palestinian Territories, which will be put to the Knesset today. On his side, the Israeli Foreign Minister said it was only a smokescreen, the aim being only to freeze the Roadmap and above all avoid a Palestinian State.

THE MINISTER – The Israeli Minister didn't say that, it was one of Mr Sharon's advisers, and the Prime Minister has refuted it. What I think is important is that Mr Sharon, with whom I did indeed have a meeting last week, said "we are still supporting the Roadmap". This provides – which is the goal we are all seeking – for two States: a State of Israel [living] in security – and we shall never compromise on Israel's security – and an independent and viable Palestinian State.

There is still a long way to go to achieve this, but we have to keep this goal. Pending its achievement, everything which brings it nearer is useful. That's why I have, it's true, supported this first stage – for me it's a first stage –, the first withdrawal from an occupied territory: Gaza. Withdrawing from Gaza isn't enough – I said this to Mr Sharon –, the withdrawal must be a success, this first territory must be viable and stable and so we, Americans, Europeans and Arab countries, have perhaps a role to play to help make a success of this withdrawal. And then there will still be all the rest to do, there will still be the West Bank in order to achieve the establishment of a stable, independent Palestinian State

(...)

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Q. – In a word, the US elections are going to take place, the polls are putting John Kerry and George Bush roughly neck and neck, will the Americans' choice be crucial for foreign policy and for your vision of the world?

THE MINISTER – In any case, the choice of United States president is up to the Americans, and it's fundamental.

Q. – Do you have a preference?

THE MINISTER – No, of course not! Don't ask the French Foreign Minister to interfere in an electoral choice which is up to the Americans. But we need a new alliance, based on mutual respect. Alliance with the United States doesn't mean allegiance, and I'm also going to work on this./.