Today's Date:

THE MINISTER – It gives me pleasure to welcome to Paris Hojjatolislam Hassan Rohani, who had a meeting yesterday with President Chirac. His visit marks an important moment in relations between France and Iran, and between the European Union and Iran.

NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION/IAEA ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL

As you know, since the Tehran meeting I and my British and German counterparts had on 21 October with Dr Rohani, it's been agreed that we would take this dialogue further. Today's meeting falls within that framework.

Consequently, I was very pleased about the progress Iran has made on the path to transparency on her nuclear programme, in accordance with the commitment of 21 October. It's an important step forward. We want to go further. So I reiterated to Dr Rohani the Europeans' expectations:

- on suspension of the reprocessing and enrichment activities,

- on ratification of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Additional Protocol, now signed by Iran.

FRANCE/IRAN

Aside from our discussions on the nuclear issues, and the prospects these open up, this meeting gave us the opportunity to confirm our common desire to relaunch strong bilateral relations and consult closely on the major regional and international issues of the day.

IRAQ/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

As regards Iraq, in the wake of my tour of the Gulf, I emphasized France's determination to see the process set in train by UNSCR 1511 and the 15 November agreement finalized swiftly so that Iraq can fully regain her sovereignty on 30 June. To succeed, this process must be inclusive, begin as of now the handover of responsibilities and involve the international community represented by the UN.

I told Dr Rohani about our ideas on an international conference which could take place immediately after the restoration of Iraq's sovereignty. Such a conference could bolster the process of Iraq's smooth integration in the region. Similarly, we could talk about the new security architecture which is essential in that region in order to deal with the issues of borders, terrorism and proliferation; it's important for all the region's countries, the whole international community to be able to discuss these issues together.

France and Iran are committed to Iraq's stability and unity. They must both do what they can to contribute to the pursuit of the process and emergence of a democratic Iraq at peace with her neighbours.

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS/ROADMAP

I also talked to Dr Rohani about the peace process, signalling our concern at the deadlock and current impasse. I have stressed the importance of taking new initiatives with all the region's countries. Everyone must be mobilized in pursuit of peace so as to make the Roadmap meaningful and flesh it out.

IRAN/PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS/HUMAN RIGHTS

I also told Dr Rohani that we were following the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Iran very closely and with great interest. This will be an important democratic event and we shall welcome every move towards opening up the country and increasing the freedom of choice of Iranian voters.

Finally, I again drew Dr Rohani's attention to our vigilance on the human rights situation in Iran. This is one of the key elements in Europe's dialogue with this country, particularly as regards the prisoners of conscience. I asked Dr Rohani for a gesture of clemency. We hope that a page will be definitively turned with the forthcoming parliamentary elections. (...)./.