Lebanon/ Formation of the government
Syria
Sudan
Middle East peace process
Lebanon/ Formation of the government
The formation of the Lebanese government by President Najib Mikati, under the auspices of President Michel Suleiman, constitutes a milestone for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. While the government’s program must be drawn up, it’s essential for the government to continue implementing Lebanon’s international obligations and commitments, notably with respect to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon and its financing.
France wants the new government to be able to respond to the economic and social challenges facing Lebanon and to ensure the country’s security and stability, by respecting the rule of law, the Constitution and the neutrality of the State. We will judge the new Lebanese government by its principles and its acts.
The continuation of dialogue between all parties and all communities remains essential to preserving the model of Lebanese harmony and coexistence.
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The Syrian security forces are continuing to fire on unarmed civilians. The United Nations is now saying that more than 1,200 people have died; it cites countless cases of torture and human rights violations. Thousands of refugees are currently fleeing Syria.
This is a catastrophic toll.
France wants the UN Security Council to speak out on the intolerable situation that is prevailing in Syria and on the counterproductive strategy being pursued by the Damascus regime. Each member country of the UNSC must assume its responsibilities. We regret the lack of consensus within the Security Council.
Ban Ki-moon’s office stated that President Assad is no longer answering the telephone. Is there a direct line to the Syrian president?
Syria has a permanent representation in New York; each Member State has an embassy in Syria, and Syria has an embassy in Paris. Methods to convey messages therefore exist.
Is France ready to help the Syrian refugees who are on Turkish territory?
The Turkish authorities are doing a good job in circumstances that are particularly difficult; the same applies to the NGOs. You should carefully read the message that President Sarkozy sent to Mr. Erdogan. You’ll see that the issue of Syria is mentioned.
A few days ago, Mr. Juppé, I think, said that you had 11 votes in favor of the text at the Security Council. Have you lost any votes since then or do you still have 11?
We’re working to ensure that we have the largest consensus possible and to ensure that the Security Council responds in light of what’s still going on in Syria. Obviously, within this framework, the appeals for all parties to assume their responsibilities are particularly relevant to some of the permanent members of the Security Council.
So you still have 11 votes?
The negotiations are continuing; the text hasn’t been put to a vote yet. With respect to what Alain Juppé said last week, I don’t have any other details other than the fact that we’re urging each of the 15 members of the Security Council to assume their responsibilities and that we’re signaling our determination to remain mobilized with respect to this issue.
In the absence of a Security Council resolution there was some talk, a few weeks ago, of new sanctions; economic sanctions this time against Syrian companies in the public and private sector. Has there been any progress with respect to discussions on this topic?
The priority for us is to make progress in New York at the Security Council. Furthermore, I think that we’re faced with a situation in which everyone must now make a choice at the Security Council. Either we look away, we close our eyes, i.e. we don’t want to see what’s going on. Or we assume our responsibilities.
The holding of a meeting in Addis Ababa between President al-Bashir and Salva Kiir is a first step towards achieving a peaceful settlement of the Abyei issue. France encourages the parties to conclude an agreement as swiftly as possible and renews its appeal to all parties to immediately withdraw all armed groups from the Abyei territory.
France is concerned by the deterioration in the security situation in South Kordofan and in Unity state in Southern Sudan, notably following the recent incursions by the Sudanese armed forces. It urges the parties to do their utmost to avoid an escalation of violence which could lead to new civilian victims and to end the violence in order to continue to implement the peace agreement. France reaffirms the obligation of all parties to respect the norms of international humanitarian law and other legal provisions that are relevant within the framework of armed operations. It’s up to the leaders concerned to ensure the protection of the civilian populations. Any deliberate attack against civilian populations could constitute a war crime or a crime against humanity. It’s the responsibility of the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
France urges the Sudanese government to do its utmost to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the voluntary return of persons displaced by the fighting, in particular by allowing UNMIS to move freely across the territory of Abyei and in South Kordofan, including by air, in accordance with UNSCR 1590.
France expresses its full support for the United Nations Mission in the Sudan in implementing its mandate, in particular the protection of civilians, regarding which it is authorized to use all necessary means, in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter.
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Is there anything new regarding the Donors’ Conference for the Palestinian State? Are things beginning to take shape?
I would firstly like to highlight that three of your Palestinian blogger colleagues are here and I would like to warmly welcome them. These are young people who are doing a remarkable job on the internet. They are the guests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we’re extremely honored to have them here today. We’re very pleased to have put together a program, throughout the week, of visits, meetings with a number of French political and media figures so that they can, in a very practical way, experience French reality and learn firsthand what France is doing for Palestine.
To respond to your question, we’re continuing to work on the Middle East, with all parties following the meetings that Mr. Juppé had during his recent visit to the Palestinian Territories, his meeting with the Israeli authorities, as well as his visit to Washington. The work is continuing.
When will the Israeli government give its response?
It will respond. We’re expecting a response. They said they would give their response, I’m certain that they will do so.
We’re continuing our efforts to establish contacts. After his meeting with Mrs. Clinton in Washington, Alain Juppé indicated that he had agreed with his American counterpart that the collaboration between French diplomats and American diplomats should continue. We’re therefore continuing this strategy with the same determination, the same energy and the same all-out effort in order to move the process forward.
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