Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, July 29, 2010)
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Israel/ Palestinian Territories
Japan
France strongly deplores the execution by hanging of Mr. Kazuo Shinozawa and Mr. Hidenori Ogata and reaffirms its opposition to the use of the death penalty whatever the circumstances.
We urge Japan to immediately reinstate the de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
[…]
What are you expecting from the King of Saudi Arabia’s visit to Egypt, Syria and Lebanon?
Saudi Arabia is, through the Arab Peace Initiative, a longstanding and major partner for peace and stability in the region.
King Abdullah’s visit to Syria and Lebanon reflects Saudi Arabia’s support for the stabilization process initiated following the Doha Accord in 2008, and more generally, beyond just Lebanon, its support for stability and security in the entire region.
King Abdullah’s tour will most likely reinforce clear Arab support for the continuation of the peace process and in particular for the start of direct talks, before September, between the parties which should focus on the main issues: the borders of a future Palestinian State, the status of Jerusalem, capital of two States, and the security issues.
Israel/ Palestinian Territories
On Wednesday, five French Christian organizations, including Secours catholique and Cimade, asked the French government to take action to “put an end to the impunity granted to the State of Israel” with respect to international law, and in particular “to pressurize Israel to respect the fundamental rights of the Palestinians.” What is your reaction?
France works tirelessly to promote peace and the creation of the Palestinian State. The Head of State spoke recently with the Israeli Prime Minister and the President of the Palestinian Authority and, in order to encourage the swift resumption of direct negotiations, he called for an extension of the moratorium on settlement activity and for an end to the measures affecting the equilibrium in Jerusalem.
As Bernard Kouchner highlighted when he disclosed, on July 26, France’s decision to upgrade the status of the General Delegation of Palestine in France, “2010 must bring decisive progress on the road to peace. If we wait, we will diminish the chances for peace. The status quo benefits only extremists. France wants to hold a summit reviving the three tracks of the peace process to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The parties must be encouraged to establish a timetable culminating, before the end of the year, in the signing of an agreement and the creation of a viable, democratic, modern Palestinian State living in peace alongside Israel.
In light of this, all sides must refrain from any measures or statements likely to prevent the furtherance of dialogue. France now wants to see progress towards direct dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
