Libya – Adoption of additional EU sanctions (Aug. 8)
Australia – New Zealand – Death of Nancy Wake, major WWII Resistance figure
Libya
Syria
Libya – Adoption of additional EU sanctions (Aug. 8)
On August 8, the EU adopted a fifth round of restrictive measures against Qaddafi and his entourage.
These sanctions target additional economic entities linked to the Tripoli regime. They will strengthen the international sanctions regime.
These measures demonstrate the international community’s determination to maintain the isolation of the Tripoli regime and cut off its revenues.
Forty-two individuals are targeted in all, as well as 49 entities.
Australia – New Zealand – Death of Nancy Wake, major WWII Resistance figure
We were saddened to learn of the death of Nancy Wake, a great Australian figure in the French Resistance during World War II.
France has not forgotten that the people of Australia and New Zealand stood by its side during both World Wars.
France hails the memory of a heroine of the French Resistance, a woman of loyalty and commitment to freedom and peace. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and to the people of Australia and New Zealand.
A woman of heart, she placed her courage and commitment at the service of her strong convictions, risking her life to defend fundamental liberties, assuming her responsibilities within French Resistance networks with passion and intelligence. Nicknamed “The White Mouse,” Nancy Wake had close and deep ties to France, which she knew well and loved. Our country expressed its gratitude and deep respect for her by awarding her the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 and the Medal of the French Resistance, and by naming her Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
What’s your reaction to the decision by Libya’s Transitional National Council (TNC) to dismiss its executive board?
We have regular, trusting relations with the TNC, which we, along with all the members of the Contact Group, have recognized as Libya’s governmental authority.
The decision by the TNC’s chairman is a sovereign decision. Of course, we hope a new executive board will be appointed swiftly in order to pursue the implementation of the political road map presented to the Contact Group.
Despite international and Arab condemnation of the crackdown, the Assad regime is pursuing its operations against Syrian civilians. Is France still ruling out a military intervention in Syria?
As the foreign minister has emphasized repeatedly, there has never been any question of engaging in a military operation in Syria.
Given that the Syrian regime is continuing to press ahead with this crackdown, France is continuing to act on the international level to maintain strong pressure on the Syrian regime to renounce violence.
This international pressure is mounting, as demonstrated by the fact that several Arab countries have recalled their ambassadors from Damascus.