Middle East
Statement by Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs: Attacks in Baghdad
Demonstrations in Iran
Iraq/ Adoption of the electoral law
Pakistan
Middle East
My question relates to French mediation between Israel and Syria.
Regarding French mediation, we have taken note of the statements that have been made concerning this issue. You know how much importance we attach to the resumption of progress on the Syrian-Israeli track. This has been repeatedly reaffirmed by the French authorities.
Concerning the methods for resuming progress on this track, which is important for the overall handling of the regional issue and in particular the Israeli-Palestinian track, we believe that it is up to the parties concerned to agree among themselves on the methods. However, it is clear that for us, all efforts or initiatives in this direction would of course be welcomed and supported by France.
Israel is asking for French mediation. You are prepared to make every effort in this direction. Is it Syria that is refusing French mediation?
I did not say that. I said that it was up to the parties to decide on the methods for resuming progress on this track. It’s not up to us to say “You should do this, you should do that,” it is up to the parties to decide. Every initiative that could help make progress in this direction is welcome. Of course, we encourage all sides to resume the path of dialogue.
Israel’s Channel 10 indicated yesterday that Mr. Netanyahu had said that Bashar al-Assad would abandon his demand for Israel to commit in advance to withdrawing from the Golan Heights. Mr. Assad reportedly spoke about this last month to Mr. Sarkozy. Do you have information regarding this issue?
In general, anything that can help move things forward regarding this track will obviously be welcome and will have our support. It is up to those concerned to agree on the methods.
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Statement by Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs: Attacks in Baghdad
I utterly condemn the attacks perpetrated in Baghdad today which are reported to have led to more than a hundred casualties.
Like the bloody attacks on August 19, these new despicable acts aim to hurt the Iraqi nation which is courageously working to rebuild its country.
All light must be shed on these attacks and those responsible must be brought to justice and tried.
During this ordeal, France assures the Iraqi people and government of its friendship and complete solidarity. It remains convinced that the Iraqis will win the fight against terrorism and for democracy.
Demonstrations took place yesterday in Iran followed by very severe crackdowns. What is France’s position? Does it think that the Iranian regime is in the process of establishing itself or is it overreacting?
The demonstrations in Iran again showed the determination of the Iranians to exercise their fundamental freedoms despite the crackdown and the arrests.
We strongly condemn the new wave of severe crackdowns which have followed these gatherings, particularly in Tehran.
The violence committed against ordinary demonstrators and the arbitrary arrests are unacceptable.
We pay tribute to the immense courage of all those in Iran who continue to fight to protect their inalienable rights and the values of freedom and openness to which Iranian society has always been attached.
We note with concern the reports that have just arrived this morning according to which Mr. Moussavi was prevented from leaving his offices and we reiterate that the Iranian authorities are responsible for the security of all Iranians, including the representatives of the opposition.
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Iraq/ Adoption of the electoral law
France welcomes the adoption by the Iraqi Parliament of the electoral law which paves the way for the holding of legislative elections in 2010 and which constitutes a new and important stage in the process of political and democratic normalization that Iraq is pursuing. Today’s tragic attack reminds us of the determination and courage that this country must demonstrate.
France pays tribute to the sense of national pride and spirit of responsibility that have led to the adoption of this law.
It reaffirms, at this time, its full support for the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq, expressed in particular by the President of the Republic to the Iraqi Head of State during his State visit in November. Our country remains fully mobilized to help the Iraqi people and authorities move forward on this path, through concrete cooperation measures in the fields of institutional consolidation and the rule of law.
Mindless violence has once again hit Pakistan and left dozens of people dead. France condemns in the strongest possible terms these cowardly and despicable attacks.
It is with sadness that France extends its condolences to the bereaved and to the Pakistani government and people.
France would like to pay tribute once again to the Pakistani authorities’ fight against extremism and reaffirms its solidarity and support.