Today's Date:

THE MINISTER – We obtained essential guarantees, which will moreover apply for other peacekeeping operations: the chain of command is short and will involve the setting-up of a strategic cell at UN headquarters run by military staff, soldiers can retaliate in self-defence, and, finally, the UN missions have been clarified.

THE MINISTER – The disarmament falls within the framework of the dialogue between the Lebanese. The reinforced UNIFIL, which isn't a peace-enforcement force, has no coercive power in this respect. UNSCR 1701 nevertheless includes the prospect of a political agreement providing for the disarmament of the militias, resolution of the Shebaa farms issue and release of the Lebanese prisoners held in Israel and the Israeli soldiers in Hezbollah's hands. In this respect, President Chirac has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, lasting political agreement to avoid the resumption of hostilities.

THE MINISTER – It is essential for the Damas authorities to play the game perfectly with the international community, both in the framework of UNSCR 1701 and as regards the full, complete application of UNSCR 1595 by allowing the international judicial commission [of inquiry] to shed light on the many assassinations perpetrated in Lebanon. It is an essential precondition for the restoration of trust with Syria.

THE MINISTER – UNSCR 1701 is very clear. It provides for an embargo on deliveries of weapons through any of the country's borders. It is absolutely necessary to get Syria to respect this embargo.

THE MINISTER – We intend respecting Lebanon's sovereignty. It is up to Fouad Siniora's government to decide where and how UNIFIL will reinforce the Lebanese forces. This is moreover what UNSCR 1701 says.

THE MINISTER – No one can criticize the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for wanting to obtain guarantees for the French soldiers. The past has shown us that it was better to define the rules of the game as regards command and principles of action before, rather than after, committing troops.

THE MINISTER – At stake in Lebanon is the defence of our values and maintenance of our own capacity to act. Lebanon is prey to a radicalization which is undermining this region and the rest of the world. We can't let the most radical people turn peoples against each other. It is our role, there more than anywhere, especially given that Lebanon is a friend. The deployment of the reinforced UNIFIL is moreover a political success for Europe because the presence of 8,000 soldiers will show that Political Europe exists. It's also a success for France, because it's the decision of President Chirac, who definitively assured the Europeans' mobilization.

THE MINISTER – The situation in Gaza is very worrying. Our objective is first to get the de-escalation process under way. The release of Corporal Shalit, but also of the Palestinian MPs arrested by Israel and the lifting of the Gaza blockade are an essential stage. The resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine is another objective. The signature, on 27 June, of an agreement of understanding between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas leaders is a step in the right direction. The formation of a future Palestinian government of national unity must be encouraged. In this respect we wholeheartedly support the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.

THE MINISTER – Nearly a million people have been without financial resources for over four months. Jacques Chirac proposed to the Quartet a mechanism to pay civil servants' salaries. It still isn't in place. Things must happen very quickly, because this situation can only engender frustration and radicalization.

THE MINISTER – The deadline set by the United Nations for receiving Iran's final response expires on Thursday. Tehran is calling for "serious negotiations” but is refusing to accept the precondition of suspending [uranium] enrichment. Tehran's response to the international community's proposals is not satisfactory. It seems to be continuing to ignore the enrichment issue, which is essential for restoring trust. In spite of this, the Iranian authorities say they are open to dialogue and ready to resume the discussions. France is also prepared to resume the dialogue. But it must be a clear-headed, concrete, responsible dialogue.

THE MINISTER – Firstly, ascertaining that we can agree on what's at the heart of the problem. Iran has the right to want civilian nuclear energy, and the international community is ready to help the Iranians acquire a substantial civilian nuclear programme. On the other hand, there can be no question of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. The dialogue's second objective: propose to Iran an economic, technological and political partnership. Thirdly, encourage dialogue between religions and cultures, without which the Middle East risks sinking deeper and deeper into bloody confrontation and permanent tension. Faced with the increasing uncertainties and dangers, our world needs tolerance and respect of the Other. Such is France's vision. This conviction will continue to inspire our diplomatic action vis-à-vis Iran as with all the other problems the international community is confronted with./.