Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, December 17, 2009)

Situation in Madagascar
25th Ministerial Conference of la Francophonie
Vietnam
North Korea
Palestinian Authority

Situation in Madagascar

Since the start of the Madagascan crisis, France has spared no effort in order to find a consensual solution that will allow constitutional order to be restored through the prompt organization of credible elections.

It is with this in mind that it lent its full support to the mediation efforts carried out by the African Union, the United Nations, the International Organization of la Francophonie and the SADC in the spirit of the Maputo and Addis Ababa agreements.

We have taken note of the decisions announced yesterday by the president of the transition. The swift holding of elections beginning in March 2010 can only contribute to a lasting solution if the organization of these elections guarantees sufficient transparency, oversight by the Independent Electoral Commission and supervision by international observers.

France invites all of the Madagascan parties to resume dialogue in order to restore the consensus that is vital to ending the crisis.

25th Ministerial Conference of la Francophonie

The Ministerial Conference of la Francophonie took place in Paris on December 15 and 16; it confirmed the political role of the International Organization of la Francophonie.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and the Minister of State responsible for Cooperation and la Francophonie welcomed the effective follow-up to the political commitments made at the Quebec Summit in 2008 and urged the 70 participating States and governments to strengthen this commitment that is vital for the future of multilateralism.

The conference warmly welcomed Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the President of the Republic’s personal representative who participated in the conference for the first time.

1/ At the conference, decisions were made concerning the political situation in certain Member States:

-  the suspension of Mauritania was lifted, a constitutional framework having been restored under its elected authorities,
- the suspension of Guinea and Madagascar was continued, taking into account the respective developments these countries, with the situation in Guinea calling for a continued and strengthened suspension, whereas the Maputo process provides a structure for a transition in Madagascar under authorities and conditions defined and recognized by the international community.
-  it was decided by consensus to demand the restoration of consensual constitutional order and a calmer political environment in Niger, through support for the actions of the ECOWAS mediator and engagement in inclusive political dialogue.

France is closely involved in international actions in support of these countries in particular within the framework of the International Contact Groups (ICG) of which it is a member and urges all the stakeholders involved to wholeheartedly commit to the ongoing processes aimed at normalizing the political situations.

2/ It adopted a resolution, on the initiative of Canada and France, regarding the participation of francophone States in the UN Peacekeeping Operations. The contribution of francophone countries to the PKOs is currently insufficient (56% of personnel is deployed in francophone areas of operation; only 16% of this personnel is French-speaking) which gives rise to problems of effectiveness and even security. The resolution calls on the OIF and the Member States to strengthen and structure their actions in order to increase francophone participation.

 
Vietnam

Hundreds of Thich Nhat Hanh disciples who have been driven out of their monastery in Vietnam are planning to seek political asylum in France. Are you in contact with them, and is Paris planning to help them come to France and receive them while waiting for them to officially apply for asylum?

France is monitoring this matter with the utmost attention in close collaboration with its EU partners. In addition, a European fact-finding mission was recently dispatched to the area.  We are in contact with the Plum Village community and with the associations in France that lend it support.

We are conscious of the need to protect the freedom of faith and freedom of worship, which Vietnamese law recognizes. We would like common sense to prevail, and for everyone to demonstrate responsibility. We hope that the various stakeholders, the pagodas that welcomed the faithful, the population and the local authorities will succeed in finding a solution.

North Korea

Do you consider Jack Lang’s mission to have been a success, in particular given his approach based on a progressive rapprochement?

Jack Lang, the President of the Republic’s Special Envoy to North Korea, gave a report of his fact-finding mission to the President of the Republic and to the minister.

One of the proposed ideas consists of opening a French office for Cooperation and Cultural Action in Pyongyang, which would ensure a long-term French presence in North Korea and would strengthen our cooperation with the French NGOs operating in this country. This proposal is considered to be of interest.

No timetable has been set yet. The date for opening such an office will depend in particular on changes in the regional situation.

Palestinian Authority

Do you have any comment on the extension of President Mahmoud Abbas’s term of office?   

We welcome the decision by the Central Council of the Palestinian Liberation Organization to extend Mahmoud Abbas’s term as President of the Palestinian Authority. This will allow President Abbas to continue his determined efforts towards achieving peace.

We reaffirm our determination to continue to work with him and we reaffirm our support for him, with a view towards the resumption of negotiations and in order to strengthen the institutions of a future Palestinian State.

This decision was made necessary due to the impossibility of holding presidential and legislative elections in the Palestinian Territories, as a result of the obstruction by Hamas.