Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, December 28, 2009)
Iran
Q - What is the latest information that you have on the demonstrations in Iran? What type of political solution is France calling for?
As the toll increases, France again expresses its extreme concern and condemns the arbitrary arrests and violence perpetrated against ordinary demonstrators.
The harsher crackdown is not leading anywhere.
A political solution based on dialogue and respect for democratic principles is the best way to resolve the current situation.
Middle East
Q - Israel has unveiled plans to build more than 700 new housing units in parts of the West Bank. What is your reaction?
Regarding settlement activities, our position is well-known and constant.
If this decision is confirmed, it would be in contradiction to the spirit of the freeze on settlement activity, which we welcomed as an initial step in the right direction.
Q - It is a year since the Israeli attacks on Gaza came to an end. The Gaza strip remains under siege and is enduring a complete blockade; can you tell us what has been done by France to alleviate the suffering of the population, particularly since reconstruction work has not resumed?
I would like to remind you that since the events in Gaza last year, France has continuously called for the reopening of the crossing points into Gaza.
France is not sparing any effort to achieve the resumption of negotiations aimed at a settlement that would end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through an accepted and lasting two-State solution. Of course, Gaza must be an integral part of the independent, viable, and democratic Palestinian State that we are calling for, living in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.
It co-sponsored the Sharm el Sheikh Conference in March to support the Palestinian Authority’s reconstruction of Gaza.
Concerning French assistance for the Palestinian people, please also refer to the statements made by Bernard Kouchner at the signing of the Framework Partnership Document, France-Palestinian Territories on December 15.
Providing contributions of almost €200 million, or €68 million per year over 3 years, this document outlines the strategic priorities of Franco-Palestinian cooperation, benefiting all of the Palestinian Territories, including Gaza.
It targets, first and foremost, the sectors that come under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG): water and sanitation; urban infrastructure and municipal development; support for the private sector and health.
France is giving priority to actions to improve the living conditions of all Palestinians in the following areas:
- Humanitarian assistance (support for UNRWA, food aid, support for emergency relief NGOs);
- Support for the institutions of the Palestinian Authorities: budgetary aid, strengthening institutional reforms and governance; local development projects (decentralized cooperation and NGOs);
- Development of higher education and research in support of development;
- Support for cultural diversity – actions by the network of French cultural centers – and for linguistic diversity.