EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN WASHINGTON
– PRESS & COMMUNICATION SERVICE
Standpoint…
n°199, March 16, 2007
The
following views reflect France’s
official position
… Middle East Message from M. Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to his Palestinian opposite number, Dr Ziad Abu Amr (Paris, 15 March 2007) "Dear Colleague,
I want to extend to you my warm congratulations on your appointment to the post of the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As President Chirac pointed out to President Mahmoud Abbas during his visit to Paris on 24 February, France supported and backed the Mecca agreement and the formation of a national unity government. By signaling the Palestinian government’s full commitment to honor the PLO and Palestinian Authority’s resolutions and international commitments, the Mecca agreement is indeed a first important step towards the full respect of the Quartet’s three principles, which remains France and the whole international community’s objective.
Under these conditions, and in line with the last European Council’s conclusions, France considers that the appointment of the new Palestinian government is conducive to opening a new page in relations between the international community and this government. But it will also naturally prompt the international community to be very exigent vis-à-vis the Palestinian authorities’ efforts to fight the terrorist groups and end all forms of violence against Israel and her citizens. The immediate release of Corporal Gilad Shalit remains essential to confirm the Palestinian government’s will and ability to enforce law and order in the Palestinian Territories. It will also contribute, I am sure, to creating more favorable conditions for re-establishing cooperative relations with the international community and reinvigorating a momentum for peace.
I wish you every encouragement in the mission which has been entrusted to you and would be very happy to be able to welcome you soon to Paris or meet you in the Palestinian Territories, so that we can consider together the prospects for the period now beginning.
… Lebanon Press briefing given by Foreign Minister spokesperson (March 12, 2007)
What's your reaction to the UN Secretary-general's report on the implementation of resolution 1701?
We welcome the new quarterly report from the UN Secretary-general on the implementation of SCR 1701. This is a dense and full report which gives an overall view of the state of the implementation of the resolution.
The report also underscores the responsibilities of the regional parties, in particular Syria and Iran in the implementation of the resolution. Compliance with the arms embargo is a key point in this regard.
The secretary-general notes the determination of the Lebanese authorities on the issue of the arms embargo. He emphasizes however that there is still progress to be made and advocates, among other things, sending an independent mission to evaluate the arrangements for monitoring borders. This is an idea that seems interesting to us.
We note that the report emphasizes the effectiveness of UNIFIL's action in the south and hails the determination of the Lebanese authorities to re-establish their effective authority on the whole of the territory. On the other hand, it deplores, as we do, the absence of progress regarding the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers. The secretary-general confirms lastly the progress in the cartography work by the UN and says specific proposals on the important question of the Shebaa Farms area will soon be made.
… Syria Press briefing given by Foreign Minister spokesperson (March 12, 2007)
Q - Mr. Solana is going to the Middle East and will visit Syria on Wednesday after President Chirac gave France’s consent at the European summit. Is it correct to say there’s been a change in the Syrian or French attitude which has led to the visit?
As you know, President Chirac commented on this point on Friday morning in the European Council in Brussels. The visit to the Middle East by the European Union’s High Representative for the CFSP and the trip to Damascus were decided jointly by all the member states.
With regard to Syria, the visit will be an opportunity for Mr. Solana to reaffirm the determination of the Europeans to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. He will also emphasize the necessity to respect all the pertinent UN Security Council resolutions, including those providing for the establishment of an international-style tribunal.
Q - But France said at the beginning of August that a trip to Damascus wasn’t opportune or desirable, forcing Mr. Solana to cancel it. Can you explain why if it wasn’t desirable in August it now merits France’s unreserved support?
As the president said in his press conference after the March 9 European council, the reservations we had were due to the fact that certain ministers of EU member states were going to Damascus, in random fashion, to engage in discussions on a matter that would have required a coherent response from the European Union.
Following the discussions at the general affairs/external relations council and the European council, Mr. Solana is going to Damascus as part of a regional tour and with a roadmap, defined collectively ahead of time.
…Sudan / Darfour Press briefing given by Foreign Minister spokesperson (March 15, 2007)
Q - According to Washington, the United States and other countries are going to consider a series of punitive measures against Sudan for its refusal to permit an international force to deploy in Darfur. Does France support this option?
In the absence of progress towards the deployment of the hybrid force, given the reservations stated by President Bashir, it will certainly be necessary to consider other measures to help improve the humanitarian situation.
Also, with regard to the question of sanctions, an embargo on arms in Darfur and a regime of individual sanctions are already being applied by the United Nations (resolution 1591). So the Security Council has a framework for acting against those who violate the cease-fire and commit atrocities.
Discussions are going on in New York about possible measures that could be adopted in this framework. We will react, depending on the proposals that are made, with a view to punishing the perpetrators of serious human rights violations.
