Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, August 4, 2009)



Death of Corazon Aquino / Statement by Bernard Kouchner

Adoption of the 2010 budget of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Morocco
Niger


Death of Corazon Aquino / Statement by Bernard Kouchner

I was very shocked and extremely sad to learn of the death of Corazon Aquino, a former president of the Philippines.

Corazon Aquino played a crucial role in the return of democracy to the Philippines. She got through the ordeal of her husband’s assassination with exemplary courage and continued relentlessly and successfully waging their common battle for justice and freedom.

She will go down in history as an icon in the fight for democracy and human rights.

I express to her family, her close friends and the Philippine government and people my heartfelt condolences.

Adoption of the 2010 budget of the International Atomic Energy Agency

France welcomes yesterday’s adoption by consensus of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 2010 budget, up by 5.4%. The significant increase highlights the importance the international community attaches to the agency’s resources and missions.

The 5.4% increase in its annual budget should permit the IAEA to completely fulfill its mandate to develop civilian nuclear energy under the best safety, security and non-proliferation conditions. This is a real-term increase against a background inflation rate of 0.1% over the past 12 months in Austria, where the IAEA headquarters is located.

Morocco

How are you responding to the seizure of the weeklies TelQuel and Nichane in Morocco, as well as the ban on distributing Le Monde? Does this make you worry about the freedom of expression in Morocco?

We are surprised by this measure, which we regret.

We are particularly attached to the freedom of expression protected by the UN International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights, which Morocco ratified, and its corollary, the freedom of the press.

Niger

Several French NGOs including Survie and Réseau “Sortir du Nucléaire” regret France’s “discretion” on the referendum held on Tuesday in Niger. Can you clarify your position on this referendum and respond to the communiqué issued on Friday by the Swedish EU presidency announcing the upcoming institution of sanctions proceedings against Niger?

France ’s position is very clear and we have reiterated it several times: President Tandja’s recent decisions constitute repeated attacks on democracy. They are outside of the constitutional framework and threaten to permanently undermine Niger’s institutions.

We fully support the EU presidency’s statement of July 31. Recent political events in Niger run counter to the principles of the Cotonou Agreement and under article 96, the country must necessarily risk the suspension of Community cooperation.

France reiterates that it is very attached to the respect for Niger’s democratic accomplishments and stability. We call on all political stakeholders to show responsibility in the interest of their country and the people of Niger./.