Daily press briefing by Ministry Deputy Spokesperson
Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Deputy Spokesperson (excerpts)
(Paris, 8 August 2008)
[Please note that only the original French text issued by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be considered official. (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr )]
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STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION ON CONTINUED SETTLEMENT ACTIVITY IN THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES AND IN EAST JERUSALEM
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is deeply concerned by the decision by the Israeli authorities to approve the construction of 400 housing units in the Neve Yaakov settlement and to invite tenders on 286 and 130 housing units in the Beitar Illit and Har Homa settlements.
This decision serves to undermine the credibility of the ongoing peace process.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union recalls that the construction of settlements anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. Settlement activities prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and compromise the viability of a concerted two-State solution.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union calls on the two parties, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to honour their respective undertakings reaffirmed at Annapolis under the Roadmap. Therefore, it calls on Israel to ensure a complete freeze on settlement activities, including that for “natural growth,” in East Jerusalem as well, and to dismantle the unauthorized outposts built since 2001.
UN ASSISTANCE MISSION FOR IRAQ (UNAMI)
We welcome the one-year renewal of the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by UNSCR 1830, adopted unanimously yesterday by the UN Security Council.
As M. Kouchner has emphasized several times, and most lately during his trip to Iraq on 31 May-1 June, we support the UN’s assistance and advisory role in Iraq, notably within the framework of UNAMI’s strengthened mandate since 2007.
UNAMI is performing its mission in a security context that remains difficult, although notable progress has been seen in this area for nearly a year. In this regard, we hail the increased transfer of responsibilities to Iraqi forces and the Iraqi government’s efforts to ensure the country’s security. This progress must be bolstered by responses to the continued political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges facing the Iraqi people and government.
Committed to the unity, sovereignty and integrity of a democratic Iraq, we want to underscore the willingness of France and the EU to help the Iraqis, in support of the UN action, to regain the peace and security to which they are entitled in a united, richly diverse State.
SERBIA
Q. - The Serbian press reported on M. Kouchner’s trip to Belgrade on 13 August in attempting to dissuade Serbia from asking for the ICJ’s [International Court of Justice] advice on Kosovo’s independence. Can you confirm this trip and what is your opinion of Serbian intentions concerning the ICJ?
I can confirm that the Minister will travel to Belgrade on 13 August. You will receive a detailed programme early next week.
This is a working visit in the context of our relationship of trust with the new Serbian government.
During this visit, all of the subjects concerning the region and relations between Serbia and the EU will of course be discussed.
MAURITANIA
Q. - Are you considering suspending French aid to Mauritania, with the exception of humanitarian aid, as the US has just announced? Would you like the EU to do the same? How much French aid goes to Mauritania? Is there a military component to French aid?
Let me read you an excerpt of the communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic yesterday evening:
“France issues a firm warning to the perpetrators of the coup d’état against whom measures could be taken in the event of there not being a rapid return to constitutional legality.
France is prepared to work closely with all her partners, starting with those of the African Union and European Union, to contribute to the restoration of constitutional order in Mauritania.”
As for your second question, France’s total official development assistance to Mauritania in 2007 amounted to $29.9 million.
The framework partnership document signed with Mauritania in 2007, providing for cooperative actions during the period of 2007-2011, provides for financing of €114.5 million.
Military cooperation in 2008 amounted to €1.3 million./.