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Daily Press Briefing Statements made by [Please note that only the original French text issued by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be considered official.] (…)
France is very concerned about the escalating violence in Gaza and southern Israel which yesterday caused the deaths of several Palestinian civilians and Israeli soldiers
France reiterates its condemnation of the continuing rocket attacks from Gaza and deplores the Israeli incursions which result in victims in the Palestinian civilian population. It calls for an end to all violence.
France recalls its deep concern at the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. It reaffirms the necessity of opening crossing points and of a steady supply of power and basic products. While the announcement by the Israelis about resuming fuel shipments to Gaza is a positive element, it is important to end the prolonged isolation of Gaza which is creating major political, economic and security risks.
Q - China, which refuses to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama and to release the political prisoners, has just decided to cancel indefinitely the reopening of Tibet which had been set for May 1 on the grounds that “the conditions aren’t ripe.” This was the only point on which Beijing had appeared to respond to French demands. Your reaction?
We continue, together with all our European partners, to encourage the Chinese authorities to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama and to allow the utmost transparency on the situation Tibet. This requires the reopening of the autonomous region of Tibet as soon as possible.
Q - Youssouf Saleh Abbas, who was appointed prime minister of Chad on Wednesday, has proposed starting negotiations to rebel groups without more details. What’s your reaction?
We’ve taken note with interest of Youssouf Saleh Abbas’ statements and welcome his appointment as prime minister.
We support everything that can contribute to dialogue among Chadians and in particular we wish to see the implementation of the August 13 agreement which should to lead to national reconciliation in Chad.
Q - Your ambassador to Lebanon spoke of a meeting France is preparing on the sidelines of the conference of Iraq’s neighbors to discuss the situation in Lebanon. Can you tell us the purpose of this meeting, who’s taking part and whether Syria will be present?
We’ll tell you about the minister’s visit to Kuwait tomorrow. As I’ve already said, we are currently having contacts in preparation for the visit.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE/WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Q - The Council of Europe adopted a resolution yesterday on legal, risk-free abortion in Europe, requesting that it be decriminalized in all member states. Does France support this move?
We have taken note of the adoption of this text, which is a resolution of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, and we shall be examining it with interest.
I recall the commitment of France, where the voluntary interruption of a pregnancy is permitted under the law, to women’s freedom of choice.
Q - What’s your reaction to the Kremlin’s announcement about forging closer ties with the Georgian separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
We noted with concern Moscow’s decision to strengthen its direct ties with the separatist authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
We are waiting for detailed information on these measures and invite the parties to avoid any escalation.
The international community reaffirmed, in UN Security Council resolution 1808 its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
We unconditionally support the efforts of the OSCE and the Group of Friends of the UN Secretary-General to achieve a lasting, comprehensive settlement of the conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia./.
Embassy of France, April 17, 2008
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