Today's Date:

THE MINISTER – La Francophonie has the wind in its sails. It has reformed its structures and, today, under the leadership of Abdou Diouf, its very respected secretary-general, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) has set itself some political objectives: crisis prevention, entrenchment of democracy and respect for human rights. The OIF has refocused its activity to increase the effectiveness of its traditional missions, particularly education. It has the power to attract new members, as is shown by the candidature of Ghana, who wants to join us.

THE MINISTER – Our country is known for its commitment to humanist ideas and tireless defence of multilateralism. The revitalization of La Francophonie is an opportunity to carry influence. We're not an inward-looking country, nor one which has reverted to focusing on its identity, but a country which is promoting values of universal solidarity.

THE MINISTER – The OIF's mission isn't only to promote the French language, but also to influence the major international debates. The adoption at UNESCO of the Convention on Cultural Diversity was a fine victory for the OIF. Today, we are mobilizing to get the greatest number of Francophone States to be among the first to ratify the Convention.

THE MINISTER – Contrary to certain pessimistic talk doing the rounds, there is today in the world a momentum in favour of French and there are high expectations of our country. Everywhere, we are being asked for more French schools, cultural centres. Today, some countries which, like Mauritania, had abandoned bilingualism, want French again to play its full role.

THE MINISTER – Principally in Africa and Europe. In Africa, we have to act very proactively to make French the language of development and solidarity. We must also strengthen our audiovisual presence in Francophone Africa, for example by extending the terrestrial coverage of TV5.

In Europe, we are supporting the ambitious programme of the OIF which is offering intensive French courses in their capitals to over 6,000 European civil servants from the new member States.

CARTOONS

THE MINISTER – Everything is a matter of balance. Freedom of expression must be defended and, at the same time, there mustn't be provocation. The OIF is an excellent response to the clash of civilizations. All religions, all civilizations are found within it. It is the very expression of cultural diversity./.