Today's Date:

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – (…) Firstly in the multilateral framework, three issues are of particular importance:

WTO DOHA ROUND

The ongoing negotiations at the WTO are essential for the future of international trade because they have a triple objective: to come to the aid of the developing countries – the Doha Round must be the development round, as its initiators declared –, give a new boost to world growth by allowing greater market opening, particularly for services and industrial goods, and finally find a compromise on agriculture which capitalizes on the considerable efforts the European Union has made with the CAP reform.

Faced with this triple objective, the current situation worries us: at the moment people are no longer talking much about development in Geneva; the balance between the different issues under negotiation – industry, services, agriculture, etc. – seems to have been upset and the Commission has made offers, in the agricultural sphere and without prior consultation with the member States, on market access, i.e. on customs tariffs, which, we feel, go beyond the mandate defined by the 2003 CAP reform.

This is why we requested a special meeting of the General Affairs Council to restate the guidelines to be followed here. We found the meeting very useful:

- We were able to get the 25 to renew the principle that the CAP reform constitutes Europe’s final contribution to the Doha negotiations: the whole reform, but nothing but the reform;

- It was also reaffirmed, with the utmost clarity, that the Commission has received a mandate from the member States, that it must stick to it, regularly reporting back to the Council and, if necessary, holding technical consultations with the member States in the event of the emergence of a difference of view. This is what happened last Wednesday in Geneva on market access, and this type of consultation must take place whenever necessary.

- Finally, it was reiterated that a mandate existed, that this was solely a matter for decision by the member States and that they retain, throughout the negotiations, a political role of control.

- So we’re going to pursue our dialogue with the Commission, with the concern to ensure that the Council’s approach to the Doha Round prevails. No one should doubt our vigilance here.

MEHLIS REPORT

- Secondly, the Mehlis report: it was made public in New York on Thursday evening and is going to be discussed for the first time at the Security Council tomorrow, Tuesday.

(…)

We have very carefully studied the content of this report, which is a patient and diligent effort. It contains a number of elements permitting a better grasp of the truth about Rafik Hariri’s death, which had aroused the condemnation of all the Lebanese and all the members of the international community.

The report puts forward two main conclusions:

- the attack against the former Lebanese prime minister is a political crime, perpetrated in the framework of a very complex organization. The scale of the preparation and degree of collusion it necessitated lead the Commission to take the view that it couldn’t have taken place without the agreement or involvement of a number of Lebanese and Syrian security officials.

- Secondly, the report notes the “lack of substantive cooperation”, and even attempts by the Syrian authorities to massage facts during the investigation.

In view of these two conclusions, France intends prioritizing the quest for the truth and the application of justice. Consequently, at the Security Council, she will pursue two objectives:

- firstly, to get the investigation pursued: we fully approve the Secretary-General’s decision to extend the Commission’s mandate until 15 December; in particular, Judge Mehlis must be given all the facilities necessary to press forward with his investigations as efficiently as possible. It will also be necessary, when the time comes, to help the Lebanese judicial system complete the investigation, if that country’s authorities so request.

- secondly, to demand from the Syrian authorities total cooperation with the investigation and a pledge to collaborate fully with the Mehlis Commission.

France is keen to see the Security Council begin working in pursuit of these goals and quickly agree on the text of a resolution which we hope can be adopted unanimously.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONVENTION

The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity was adopted last Thursday by 148 votes to 2, with 4 abstentions, which is no small victory. At UNESCO, the Convention’s objective is an important one: it guarantees, in the cultural sphere, States’ freedom to define and conduct policies to safeguard the diversity of their cultural expressions.

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MIDDLE EAST

I should now like to talk briefly about some of the conflicts which are continuing to affect international life. In the Middle East, as we said to Mahmoud Abbas during his recent visit to Paris, France is intent on continuing to provide the Palestinian Authority with her full support so that it has the resources to make a success of the milestone of the Gaza withdrawal. But, at the same time, we must mobilize so that a political process leading to the creation of a viable Palestinian State living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security is rapidly established in the framework of the Roadmap.

So today we must actively think about how to update the timetable of the Roadmap which has to remain our reference document, because it clearly sets out the conditions for establishing a just and lasting peace: it is important, on the one hand, to get the settlements frozen and the security fence to conform with international law so as not to hinder the creation of the Palestinian State; on the other, there must be an end to the acts of violence perpetrated by the radical Palestinian groups. France is appealing to all parties to show restraint. She remains ready and willing to provide the European Union with her contribution to security and economic development in the region.

IRAQ

In Iraq (…) it is important to overcome the growing divorce between a political process, which is following its course, and a worrying situation on the ground, characterized by daily acts of violence and growing tension between the different communities. This is why France has argued for a new international conference, bringing together all the Iraqi political forces and the neighbouring countries, in order to guarantee Iraq’s unity and sovereignty. I note that the Arab League is currently making the necessary contacts with a view to convening such a conference.

More than ever, France’s goal is to enable the Iraqi people to regain total control of their destiny. It’s in this spirit that we intend playing our full part in the forthcoming Security Council discussions which will have to define the next stage in the political process after the current UNSCR 1546.

COTE D’IVOIRE

In Côte d’Ivoire, we are now entering the most delicate and most demanding phase, that of the full implementation of the commitments made by the Ivorian parties over the past three years: free, transparent elections open to all, disarming of the rebel forces and dismantling of the militia and return of national administrative control over the whole of a country today split in two. Whether or not the largest West African Francophone country will be able to avoid civil war and being permanently bogged down depends firstly on whether the Ivorian political leaders’ pledge to honour their commitment is genuinely sincere, and, secondly, on the determination of the international community and especially the United Nations to support the implementation of these commitments.

On 21 October, the United Nations Security Council adopted UNSCR 1633 which confirms the decisions taken by the African Union in Addis Ababa on 5 October: maximum one year postponement of the presidential election, President Gbagbo remaining in power, and the appointment of a new prime minister, acceptable to all parties, with full authority over his government and the task of preparing the elections and achieving the disarmament.

Adopted unanimously, the resolution entrusts the United Nations with an essential role in supporting and guaranteeing the smooth completion of this crucial phase in the crisis. It’s important for the Ivorian political leaders to honour their commitments and resolutely cooperate with the United Nations in an atmosphere of mutual trust.

It’s in this framework that France, present on the ground, under United Nations mandate and a permanent member of the Security Council, will continue playing her full role.

BALKANS/KOSOVO

Finally, in the Balkans, where Kosovo is progressively going to come back centre stage.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Mr Eide, mandated by Kofi Annan, has just submitted his report on the situation in the province. His assessment was the prerequisite for a possible launch of the negotiations on the status of Kosovo, under UN administration since 1999.

From our point of view this report is excellent. It stresses not only the progress achieved, but also – and especially – what still needs to be done, particularly in the very sensitive sphere, of particular concern to me, the protection of the minorities. On the basis of this report, we support the recommendation to launch the negotiations on the status of Kosovo.

These negotiations will be long and difficult since the Serbs and Kosovars have such different aspirations. This is why we think it essential for the two parties to agree to engage in the process constructively and for the long haul.

It’s also why we don’t want, at this stage, to prejudge the form of Kosovo’s future status. Several options exist, ranging from great autonomy to some form of independence. It’s precisely the purpose of the negotiations to move towards as consensual a solution as possible.

In any case, and regardless of what the future status is called, it will be essential for it to have a European perspective, respecting the European family’s standards and values, maintain the stability of the Balkans region and strictly protect minority rights.

BIRD FLU

There’s a final chapter with which I’ll conclude these preliminary observations: bird flu and the major natural disasters. In the face of these, the European Union must, in the future, clearly play a more ambitious role so that it can mobilize more effectively and develop both a rapid reaction capability and more efficient means of cooperation. France is determined to be at the forefront of this European action which will enhance Europe’s influence in the world.

Confronted with the avian flu epizootic disease, every country must display transparency and vigilance. International cooperation is essential in order to check the spread of the pandemic in Europe and maintain a mobilization commensurate with the danger.

The appeals issued by France for stronger European coordination are beginning to bear fruit; I welcome the conclusions of the last European General Affairs Council of 18 October, where the agenda item on avian flu was added at our request. I am satisfied to see that the European Union is very soon going to have a European action plan which will improve the coherence of the measures implemented by each member State.

The informal meeting of European Health Ministers which has just been held in London, on 20 and 21 October, was a new milestone in this European action. Important decisions were taken there, particularly to ensure the protection of our populations against an always possible risk of human pandemic.

In a few days’ time, we’re going to have an extremely important meeting in Geneva, with three institutions in the front line in the fight against bird flu: FAO, OIE and WHO. (…) Are we going to be able to give money to the poorest countries, especially in Africa and Asia, in order to prevent a possible risk of the virus mutating? Are we going to be able to give more for public health and veterinary health ?

PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE/EU RAPID ACTION FORCE

The humanitarian disaster in the wake of the earthquake requires everyone to mobilize, the European Union like the rest of the international community, to respond to the terrible challenge facing us.

Let me remind you of the figures: in Pakistan, 49,000 dead, 74,000 injured and nearly 3 million people displaced. Nearly 80% of Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistani Kashmir – 80,000 inhabitants – has been destroyed. In India, the figures are stabilizing at around 1,400 dead, 6,000 injured and around 16,000 people affected.

After the emergency operation to help the earthquake’s immediate victims, we now need to act to prevent a new humanitarian disaster affecting the 3 million without shelter. NATO has established an air bridge. France is contributing to it both at the level of air force tactical transport planes and at command level for the Air component.

Also France, who, in the first few days, flew out medical teams and 200 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, is now relieving these doctors with new NGO teams.

Following the tsunami, this disaster raises again the urgent question of a European Union rapid reaction capability. Last week in Brussels, we urged that the matter be discussed in detail at the November General Affairs Council. France will make some very specific proposals in this sphere.

At stake here is the European Union’s ability to deal rapidly and efficiently with major epidemics and natural disasters. Europe must be in a position immediately to deliver aid to the heart of such disasters and take its place alongside the other great international institutions. At stake are its role and influence on the international stage. Similarly, the public health and humanitarian challenge has become a political challenge for the European Union. President Chirac is committed to this rapid action force.(…)

EU ECONOMY/RESEARCH/INNOVATION

MME COLONNA – (…) I’d like us to a greater extent to be able to promote the European economy using the tools which we have succeeded in creating, are at our disposal and sometimes don’t make enough use of. We must establish better coordination between our economic policies, something France has long been arguing for. We must also strengthen on a European scale our collective efforts in research and innovation, industrial and energy policy, if we want to take up tomorrow’s great challenges.

Second major concern of our fellow citizens: security. Philippe has just talked to you about this with respect to bird flu. But Europe is already acting in many other spheres: environment, emergency services – things have already been done, but must be continued – fight against illegal immigration, serious crime and terrorism. It’s up to us all to make greater use of what Europe offers us so we can improve protection.

HAMPTON COURT SUMMIT

In the European calendar, the informal European Council to be held in three days’ time at Hampton Court, near London, will be the opportunity to discuss most of these issues, which all present challenges to Europe in this globalization era. The meeting is important. Indeed the heads of State and government, European leaders, will be meeting for the first time since the last European Council of 16 and 17 June, i.e. since the failure to find agreement on the European Union budget, and there’s no doubt that Europeans will legitimately be closely watching what happens at the summit and any policies emerging from it. France will go to this Council in a constructive spirit, with the desire to help the presidency make a success of the meeting and, you can be sure, to map out future policy directions.

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MEHLIS REPORT

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – I can well understand people thinking that all this forms an interconnected whole, but in reality we’re dealing here with a very specific issue: a criminal investigation. So it’s a judicial matter. When the Security Council passed UNSCR 1595, the request was for a Commission of Inquiry. A great and, as I’ve said, very diligent and determined judge who has proved himself and continues doing so, was asked to lead it. We want the judicial process completed, the whole judicial process and only that. There’s no hidden political agenda, there’s only a necessity: to punish those who decided to kill the former Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri.

On this basis, we think that the international community must unitedly deal with what is a judicial problem. I can’t see why any country would cast doubt on an independent commission. Of course, France wishes to do her utmost to emphasize that this is a judicial problem and, subsequently, it will indeed be a matter for the Security Council, because Mr Mehlis will come back before the Security Council once he has pursued his investigation, and particularly vis-à-vis cooperation, as I’ve just said, with Syria.

Since the report reveals very weak cooperation – that Syria hasn’t cooperated with the Commission – it’s important for us to know, after the investigation has been pursued, whether or not Syria has been cooperating. If she hasn’t, Mr Mehlis will tell the Security Council and then there will be consequences. But, initially, it has to be a judicial matter and nothing but a judicial matter.

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – We’re starting the Security Council meeting on Tuesday, I’m not going to talk about it beforehand. The discussion is starting at Security Council level on Tuesday. There will be a discussion between the different delegations and I’ve just given a very specific answer on the matter we want to concentrate our efforts on, our discussions, and, of course, on possible consequences.

At some point there will, quite obviously, be a ministerial-level meeting – we’ll see who backs the resolution – but for the moment the discussion hasn’t yet started.

FRANCE/US/MEHLIS REPORT

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – In the current phase it’s normal for everyone to think about possible initiatives and resolution texts. France is intent on playing her full role in this process. We’ve had this report and are in the process of defining a policy on the basis of its conclusions. The important thing is the objective, i.e. that the Commission can achieve a result, that the investigations can go on and that we succeed in identifying the perpetrators of the attack and bringing them to justice. How this is to be done still has to be discussed. We’ve noted some very clear passages which I quote: “There is probable cause to believe that the decision to assassinate former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri, could not have been taken without the approval of top-ranked Syrian security officials and could not have been further organized without the collusion of their counterparts in the Lebanese security services”, paragraph 123 of the report.

In paragraph 203, I quote: “There is converging evidence pointing at both Lebanese and Syrian involvement in this terrorist act”, I’m just quoting the report.

In paragraph 206, I quote: “It is the Commission’s conclusion that the continuing investigation should be carried forward by the appropriate Lebanese judicial and security authorities”.

On this subject we have no differences with the Americans. From the outset we have called for UNSCR 1595 to be a priority. We said this to the Americans and particularly to Ms Condoleezza Rice when she came here to meet the President. You were right to say that today there’s a sort of common approach when it comes to the need to see that justice is done on the basis of the Mehlis Commission’s work.

(…)

There’s no difference of opinion on the Mehlis Commission, France is simply strongly maintaining that we have here an opportunity to see that justice is done with an independent commission of inquiry. So let’s allow the Commission to complete its work and if it needs to extend [its mandate], let’s do so.

Afterwards, let’s draw the necessary conclusions from it, including on the question asked just now on sanctions. Let’s look first at what’s happening, let’s not give the impression that there’s any political hidden agenda, let’s opt for the rule of law. If you stick to the law, the international community, including certain Arab countries, will be unanimous, since the law is the law.

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – Quite obviously, we are on the Security Council. There will, of course, be a ministerial meeting, it’s very important for this to take place following consultations between the different delegations, as is right and proper. Of course I’ll go.

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – Quite simply, Mr Mehlis thinks he has to continue. It’s absolutely necessary for him to complete his work. It’s the judicial task and so let’s allow him get on with it and moreover in fact take advantage of it to ask Syria to cooperate. You tell me that she’s never done that, so she won’t do it. Fine! Mr Mehlis will tell us. (…) He has, I believe, talked about 15 December (…) it’s very soon. (…) Let’s not give the impression of making groundless accusations. Subsequently, any sanctions will be commensurate with the results of the Mehlis Commission, that’s totally normal.

M. DOUSTE-BLAZY – The Commission is international, it’s independent, it’s carrying out its work on the basis of its mandate defined by UNSCR 1595, which lays down that every country must cooperate in the conduct of this inquiry. So, if it asks to hear or interview anyone, it’s not for us to decide whether or not to support that request. It’s for the Commission to decide, knowing that there’s an obligation on every country to cooperate.

This is why, in direct answer to your question, we are calling, since the investigation is continuing, for Syrian cooperation. If she doesn’t cooperate, the necessary conclusions will obviously have to be drawn. You start off talking to me about a criminal investigation commission and end up talking about the legitimacy of a regime, but the two things aren’t the same.

As regards the Lebanese regime, the Commission of Inquiry today gives it full marks. Although we’re asking Lebanon perhaps to move faster in the reforms she has to implement, we have congratulated her on the economic and political reforms she has carried out. We have asked her genuinely to disarm the Hezbollah. Aside from that, a number of people will be named, as suspects, in the framework of the Mehlis report. Obviously, regardless of whether they are Lebanese, Syrian or of another nationality, they – including the people you’re talking about – will have to answer for their actions, if that’s the case, before a court. (…)./.