Côte d’Ivoire
Sudan
Côte d’Ivoire
Is France planning to follow the United States’ example by freezing Laurent Gbagbo’s assets?
The sanctions regime in France is dependent on the European Union treaties. The list of visa sanctions is in the process of being released and a further possible series of sanctions is currently being debated.
Do you have an idea when the new ambassador appointed by Alassane Ouattara will be accredited?
These decisions are made by the Council of Ministers.
Are you concerned that Gbagbo’s regime will take retaliatory measures in the same way as it has done against the British and Canadian embassies?
The only legitimate authority in Côte d’Ivoire is Alassane Ouattara; it’s his decisions that matter.
I also want to remind you that an ambassador is protected by diplomatic immunity during his or her term of office. Any violence perpetrated against him or her is in violation of international law.
Concerning Sudan, I’m reading the response from the Quai d’Orsay regarding “the situation with respect to the charges against Omar al-Bashir.” I didn’t find it very clear since if Southern Sudan achieves independence, he will therefore go to the independence ceremony, and he will therefore be on the territory of a country that is due to sign the Convention on the International Criminal Court. And France will also be there. We will therefore be alongside someone under investigation by the ICC. So what are we doing about Omar al-Bashir? Is he being quietly redeemed? […]
That’s a hypothetical question. Omar al-Bashir has been indicted by the ICC. We supported the creation of the ICC and we support its action.
Sudan's foreign minister, who was here a few days ago, gave a press briefing that same evening and said that France was understanding with respect to Sudan’s position regarding the issue of the ICC. Was the topic addressed during the meeting with Mrs. Alliot-Marie? What progress did you make?
We gave a summary of this meeting. Omar al-Bashir has been indicted by the ICC. We support the action of the ICC and its fight against impunity.