World TB Day (March 24, 2014)
Ukraine
World TB Day (March 24, 2014)
On the occasion of World TB Day, France reaffirms its commitment to eliminating this pandemic which affects nearly 9 million people every year.
Despite the progress achieved over the last few years, TB accounts for approximately 1.3 million deaths every year – especially among the poorest populations who do not have access to health care systems.
France provides more than 12% of the Global Fund's resources and more than 50% of UNITAID’s resources. These organizations are the main sources of international funding for the fight against TB. France has contributed to the detection and care of more than 11 million patients. It is determined to play a key role in the fight against this disease, notably with respect to the mobilization of funding, the development of new therapeutic approaches and the modernization of treatments.
Statement by Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ukraine
Some important decisions were made on Friday at the European Council meeting aimed at condemning the annexation of Crimea and strengthening the EU’s support for Ukraine.
We now have 2 priorities: preventing any further escalation and supporting Ukraine in the political transition and economic reform process.
To that end, I stress the need for the immediate deployment of the OSCE observation mission. Similarly, political dialogue must be initiated between Ukraine and Russia and the international community must lend its full support to Mr. Yatsenyuk’s government in the run-up to the presidential elections on May 25, which are a key step toward Ukraine’s stabilization and recovery.