Today's Date:

Statements made by Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his joint press briefing with Ms Tzipi Livni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice (excerpts)

THE MINISTER – (…) We had an in-depth discussion about the situation in Lebanon and, in particular, about the implementation of UNSCR 1701. I reiterated, on this occasion, France's commitment to Israel's security. We totally agree, I think, that we have to work for the full, wholehearted implementation of UNSCR 1701 by all the parties – the prerequisite for a lasting stabilization of the situation between Israel and Lebanon.

France will play her full part in the diplomatic efforts which will be deployed to that end. Moreover, we continue to call for the unconditional release of all the Israeli prisoners as soon as possible.

We also talked about the relaunch of the peace process with a view to achieving a fair solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and regional issues.

I wanted to pay tribute in particular to the implementation of the ceasefire and the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Omert's recent statements asking the Palestians to resume the dialogue and political process, calling for courageous compromises in return for lasting peace. These are some first positive steps which have to be consolidated.

Without usurping the role of the parties themselves, the international community has the responsibility of giving its support to this process; France and her principal European partners are making active efforts to do this.

Finally, we of course talked about Iran and, in particular, the meeting yesterday of the E3+3 political directors. Finally, we also discussed strengthening bilateral relations and broadening the scope of the strategic dialogue between France and Israel. (…)

LEBANON

THE MINISTER – (…) As regards southern Lebanon, I'd like to say a word about UNSCR 1701. Today, the cessation of hostilities is clearly being observed and the Lebanese army has been able to deploy in the South alongside UNIFIL, which has been considerably strengthened.

This is an important achievement which must be consolidated. Efforts must also be made to enforce the embargo and, at the same time, ensure that the overflying is halted. We mustn't stop there and this is my message: relaunching the process must lead to a political settlement and permanent ceasefire. We talked about it this morning and I very much welcome the climate of confidence established in our discussions. The parameters of this process are known, in fact they are set out in black and white in UNSCR 1701.

(…)

MIDDLE EAST

THE MINISTER – As regards what you have just said on the ceasefire, we welcome the statements of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Olmert. In fact we think it's a precondition for restoring confidence and also that all this now has to be consolidated.

The international community has a responsibility to do the utmost to help get the peace process and political dialogue going again.

In this context, the Roadmap remains the reference framework, but nevertheless I'd like to add one thing: the parties mustn't just insist on the preconditions, that would play into the hands of the extremists who, through an isolated action, could at any moment bring the current momentum to a halt. Obviously, we must remain true to the principles of the Quartet (…). So we are obviously totally committed to them.

Finally, a word to tell you that France and her main European partners are keen to mobilize to take advantage of the forward momentum initiated by the Israeli Prime Minister's statement so that a virtuous circle can be established and replace the dangerous escalation of violence we've seen in Gaza for at least five months.

As a member of the Quartet, Europe considers it has a special role to play.

As you know, it is particularly involved in the reinforced UNIFUL, which gives it responsibilities. Quite obviously, the idea isn't to usurp the roles of the parties, but to contribute to breaking the current log jams through concrete gestures and positive incentives.

ITALIAN-FRENCH-SPANISH INITIATIVE

THE MINISTER – We talked about it and I explained to my opposite number how important the peace process is for us. As I've just said, we think that the European Union can have a wholly specific role, first of all because in our view it has to be said that there's a lack of confidence between the parties, even though on the part of Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas, there is a real will to talk to each other. Above all, on the Palestinian side, I hope there can very soon be a new government and the possibility of recognizing the Quarter's three principles. Once this is achieved, we could witness a relaunch of the peace process.

The European Union – in particular, Spain, Italy and France – can play an important role, working with – as seems obvious – the European Union presidency. (…)./.