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

 

Crackdown in Syria/ New wave of violence perpetrated by the regime against demonstrators
Haiti
Gaza


Crackdown in Syria/ New wave of violence perpetrated by the regime against demonstrators

The violence in Syria, which has again led to the death of several dozen people in the past few days, is unacceptable. By forging ahead with a bloody and hopeless policy the Syrian regime has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,500 civilians since March.

France, once again, condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued violence against the peaceful demonstrators. The leaders and members of the security services must be fully aware that they will be held accountable for their acts. Together with its European partners, France confirms its intention to strengthen the targeted sanctions against those responsible for this savage repression.

France expresses its deep concern at the continued arrests, notably that of Ali Abdallah, a pro-democracy activist, who had been released just a few months ago. France demands the immediate release of all prisoners, the cessation of violence and the withdrawal of the army from the areas where it is deployed.

The violence being perpetrated by the Damascus authorities against their population and the resulting instability call their legitimacy into question. As shown by the daily demonstrations in Syria and as underscored by the meeting of the Syrian opposition factions this weekend in Istanbul, the violence perpetrated by the Syrian security forces is not the answer to the legitimate demands of the Syrian population.

The regime must immediately begin a democratic transition.

 

Haiti

France had suspended international adoptions in Haiti following the earthquake on January 12, 2010, since it felt that local conditions no longer safeguarded the best interests of the adopted children.

The situation in Haiti has now changed. The Haitian authorities have specifically pledged to comply with the timetable to update their legislation with respect to adoptions and the ratification of the Hague Convention. That’s why, after consulting with the other States that traditionally receive Haitian children, France decided to gradually resume adoptions in Haiti.

This decision, deemed necessary in order to offer those children deprived of their families, notably those children who were orphaned as a result of the earthquake or abandoned in children’s homes, a brighter future, will enter into force following the adoption of a decree by the Haitian president to end individual adoptions. In fact, President Martelly officially announced that Haiti would no longer handle any individual adoptions. France has taken note of this decision by the president and will comply with it.

The resumption of adoptions will initially take place on a trial basis in order to ensure that the procedures fully comply with the rules governing international adoptions. This trial period will benefit the families whose adoption requests were suspended following the earthquake. France would like it to lead to the complete reopening of international adoptions from Haiti in the near future.  

Gaza

Do you have any news about the Dignité Al Karma vessel which apparently left Greek waters for the Middle East? Have you been in contact with this vessel which is sailing to Gaza in order to give advice to the passengers, including with respect to French and European policies?

We’re closely monitoring reports on the Dignité Al Karma vessel’s progress.

We’ve advised our nationals against participating in a new flotilla for Gaza, given the security risks involved in this undertaking. These initiatives can only increase tension in the current context. Humanitarian assistance for Gaza must be delivered using surface transport; this is the most effective and most responsible way to help the civilian population of Gaza.

This call for responsibility doesn’t change our position on the blockade of Gaza, which must be lifted. The Israeli authorities must allow international assistance to be delivered to Gaza. The UN must also be able to implement its development and reconstruction projects unhindered. Foreign visitors must have access to the Palestinian Territories.