Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, January 29, 2009)
MADAGASCAR
Q - Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana stated yesterday that following a telephone conversation with Bernard Kouchner, he had decided to issue arrest warrants for two opposition leaders, Roland Ratsiraka and Dolin Rasolosoa, as the minister had named them the “masterminds” behind the recent acts of vandalism. Can you confirm this last point?
I formally deny that Bernard Kouchner made any such remark.
During his telephone conversation with President Ravalomanana and Tananarive mayor Andry Rajoelina, Bernard Kouchner insisted on the fact that only dialogue will make it possible to meet the expectations of the Madagascan people and to overcome the current crisis, in which France remains completely impartial.
Q - There are differing figures for the casualties of the Madagascan riots; can you tell us what your count is this Thursday? And are French nationals still advised to stay at home? Are the means for a possible evacuation already in place?
Is it possible to know on what basis Alain Joyandet claims that the disturbances have caused “more than 80 deaths,” while the latest report by Madagascan authorities cites 68 casualties?
We do not have new estimates other than those provided by various sources of information yesterday evening, which cite a number of casualties greater than 80.
French nationals in Madagascar are still being advised to exercise caution. We ask our compatriots to limit their movements.
In addition, we continue to advise against all travel to Madagascar.
MIDDLE EAST
Q - What is your reaction to the Israeli raids on the border between Gaza and Egypt? And to the attack that left 9 wounded, 6 of whom were schoolchildren in Khan Yunis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip?
We call on all parties to do all they can to avoid a new cycle of violence.
Once again, we demand that all the parties fully respect the cease-fire, and call for the immediate implementation of a permanent cease-fire, so as to consolidate a resolution of the crisis.
France notably supports the Egyptian efforts currently underway to this effect, to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid, a total halt of arms smuggling into Gaza, the permanent reopening of crossing points, reconstruction, and inter-Palestinian reconciliation.