Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, May 18, 2011)

Sudan/ Bombings in Darfur
Minister’s visit to the Middle East
IMF

Sudan/ Bombings in Darfur

France condemns the resumption by the Sudanese authorities of bombings targeting civilian populations in south Darfur. It deplores the access restrictions imposed on UNAMID, in violation of the freedom of movement stipulated in its mandate established by the Security Council. It demands the lifting of these restrictions, as well as those imposed on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the populations of Darfur.

This conflict cannot be resolved through violence. Only a political solution can put an end to the suffering of the populations and offer the security necessary to Darfur’s development.

France urges the Sudanese authorities as well as the rebel movements in Darfur not to resort to using force, but to engage in the negotiations on the proposals made by the joint United Nations and African Union mediation team in Doha.

Minister’s visit to the Middle East

Q - An Israeli newspaper is saying that the postponement of Alain Juppé’s visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories is due to the intransigence of the two parties regarding France’s proposal to resume dialogue. Do you confirm that? He also said that the June conference will be pushed back. Do you confirm that?

As Alain Juppé indicated, he will go to the Middle East in the next few days. This visit is currently being organized.

France is fully committed to ensuring that an international conference will take place in June; this conference will be aimed not just at mobilizing the donors who want to lay the institutional foundations of the future Palestinian State, in keeping with the Donors’ Conference for the Palestinian State, which took place in December 2007, but also at contributing to the political process between the Israelis and Palestinians.

I want to reiterate the comments made by President Sarkozy’s on May 4:

“Europe must get involved politically, not just financially. We’re going to take an initiative before the summer, along with the Europeans, to relaunch the peace process with the Americans, because Europe can’t be the main donor to Palestine and remain a political dwarf on this issue. I want to express my support for President Mahmoud Abbas and my satisfaction at seeing him move to rally his people, because nothing will be possible without Palestinian reconciliation. France wants the peace process to be relaunched before the difficult meeting at the UN in September.”

IMF

Q - Is France in favor of looking for a new candidate as of now for the position of managing director? Are you in favor of another European candidate or a candidate from an emerging country? […]

Regarding these two points, please refer to the responses made yesterday by the spokesperson:

“The French authorities will voice their opinion when the time comes. The important thing is, in the current international financial context, that the International Monetary Fund be able to continue to execute its mission.”