Daily press briefing by Ministry Spokesperson
Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Deputy Spokesperson (excerpts)
(Paris, 15 September 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 )]
(…)
GEORGIA
Q. - The French EU presidency judged that under the agreement with Moscow, European monitors could enter South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and also that the negotiations on a Russia/EU partnership could resume in October if the Russians respected the agreement. Yet Russia now says the European monitors will not be able to enter those two territories. Does France plan to propose postponing the talks so long as EU observers are not allowed into South Ossetia and Abkhazia?
The conclusions of the 1 September European Council provide for the meetings on negotiating the EU-Russia partnership agreement to be postponed until Russian troops withdraw to the positions they were in prior to 7 August.
This withdrawal is a priority today. It has begun, in accordance with the 8 September agreement, and should be completed after the EU sends an observer mission to Georgia.
The operation is to be decided by the 27 European foreign ministers in Brussels today.
Q. - According to “La Croix,” Ambassador Pierre Morel is to be appointed EU mediator in the Georgian crisis. Can you confirm it?
In accordance with the 1 September European Council conclusions, a special representative of the European Union is to be appointed for Georgia. Initially his task will be to prepare the international discussions which are to start in Geneva on 15 October. Ministers will proceed with the appointment at the General Affairs and External Relations Council today.
Pierre Morel, the current EU representative for central Asia, is among the legitimate candidates for this post by virtue of his knowledge of the region and the experience he’s already acquired for the European Union.
FRANCE/IRAQ
Q. - What is the purpose of the Minister’s meeting with Baghdad Mayor Sabir Nabath al-Essawi?
The Mayor of Baghdad is in our country for contacts with French businesses.
During his stay here, which comes a little over three months since the Minister’s last visit to Iraq, it’s an opportunity for Bernard Kouchner to review with Sabir Nabath al-Essawi the evolution of the situation in the Iraqi capital and French cooperation.
FRANCE/SENEGAL
Q. - Are you concerned about tensions in French-Senegalese relations after a French judge issued nine international arrest warrants for Senegalese officials, including former prime minister Mame Madior Boye?
As you know, the case was referred to the French judicial authorities in 2003. The international arrest warrants you’re referring to were issued by an investigating judge.
France has privileged relations with Senegal as evidenced by the frequent high-level visits between our two countries: President Sarkozy received President Abdoulaye Wade last Wednesday for a meeting at the Elysée and Alain Joyandet went to Dakar on 2 August.
We have long-established, close cooperation with Senegal covering many areas. We obviously wish to pursue it.
PAKISTAN
Q. - (on murder of three young girls in Pakistan: statement by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union)
The European Union expresses its outrage at the murder of three young girls in Pakistan, in the province of Baluchistan, killed by relatives for wishing to marry men of their own choice.
The European Union calls for a full investigation to be carried out into this matter. It notes that the Pakistani government has launched a federal enquiry. It also recalls that it is absolutely essential that those responsible for these intolerable acts be brought to justice and that a right of redress be acknowledged.
The European Union reiterates its deep concern with respect to the extreme forms of violence against women which are reported in Pakistan.
It urges Pakistan to comply with her international human rights obligations, and in particular the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, to which Pakistan is party.
It exhorts the Pakistani government to take steps to eliminate all forms of violence against women and to step up the fight against impunity. (…)./.