Today's Date:

Statements made by M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, during his joint press briefing with M. Jalal Talabani

FRANCE/IRAQ

THE MINISTER – We were very pleased to welcome the President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, who is a very old friend both of France and of some of you.

This morning, President Talabani had a meeting with President Sarkozy who reiterated to him France's firm support regarding Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the legality of her federal structure.

We have discussed a number of ways of moving forward and President Talabani informed us about the situation both inside and outside Iraq, i.e. in the neighbouring countries.

THE MINISTER – Yes, I'm indeed planning to go back to Iraq, as I've already said. I don't know when it will be. We are working on some specific projects which President Sarkozy talked to Mr Talabani about this morning. I'll be able to give you a date in the next few weeks.

As the Iraqi President said, these will be particularly in the health sphere.

TURKEY/IRAQ/ISTANBUL CONFERENCE

THE MINISTER – You know France's position which was set out very clearly yesterday. We're obviously against any operation in the area and hope that the present dispute between Turkey and Iraq will be resolved through peaceful means. This is absolutely essential.

I remind you that on 2 and 3 November in Istanbul I'll be participating in a meeting bringing together Iraq's neighbours where I'll be very happy to make some positive proposals. I shall certainly restate there this need for a peaceful solution.

FRANCE/IRAQ

THE MINISTER – I've nothing to add to what President Talabani has just said regarding the present situation. There are contacts with Total and these go back a very long way. Total has been working in Iraq for many years.

The only small point I can add is that we'd like businesses, not just oil companies, to resume, expand or start operations with Iraq. Simply, we're drawing attention to the security conditions but, otherwise, private companies are obviously completely free to do what they want.

The security conditions aren't always right; this is why we are keeping a close eye on things.

As for the specific area of health and education, the decision has been taken to move very fast as I said to you.

CHINA

THE MINISTER – In every area where France is getting ready to work alongside the Iraqis – note what I'm saying, we want to work alongside the Iraqis – China would obviously be welcome.

I went to Iraq to listen to the Iraqis and, quite obviously, first of all, the President.

ISTANBUL CONFERENCE

THE MINISTER – I've confirmed to you that France will take part in the Istanbul Conference. We'll be very happy to contribute, through a number of projects, to achieving what the French people and President Sarkozy really want to see: stability, peace and security in Iraq. (…)./.