The Daily Press Briefing

Statements made by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and International Development
Spokesperson


Paris - April 22, 2016
In this issue:

◢  European Union – Meeting between Jean-Marc Ayrault and Federica Mogherini (Paris - April 22, 2016)

◢  Turkey – Freedom of expression

◢  Yemen – Launch of peace talks (April 22, 2016)

◢  Mexico – Explosion in a petrochemical plant (April 21, 2016)

◢  UN – Quai d’Orsay’s support for model UN negotiations (PIMUN) (Paris - May 24-28, 2016)

◢  Nepal – Exhibit on the country’s reconstruction at the Quai d'Orsay (beginning April 25, 2016)

◢  Climate – Screening of a documentary on the Paris Climate Agreement (April 22, 2016)

 
European Union – Meeting between Jean-Marc Ayrault and Federica Mogherini (Paris - April 22, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will receive Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, today.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss major current issues and the joint action by France and the EU to promote peace and security. Mr. Ayrault and Ms. Mogherini will notably take stock of the crises in Europe’s Southern and Eastern Neighborhood, the measures taken together with our partners to manage the influx of refugees, as well the fight against terrorism and security issues.

They will then attend the annual conference of the European Institute for Security Studies, where they will deliver a speech and respond to questions from participants in this meeting.



Turkey – Freedom of expression

France continues to monitor with the utmost attention the judicial proceedings against journalists and academics in Turkey.

The new hearing in the trial of Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, chief editor and correspondent in Ankara of the daily newspaper Cumhuriyet, is taking place today behind closed doors. France cannot therefore be represented at the hearing.

Our embassy will however attend the hearing that is taking place today in the trial of four academics, who had signed a petition criticizing the situation in southeastern Turkey and who have been detained, in some cases, since March 15.

France reaffirms that the pluralism of the media and civil society, as well the expression of critical views and the right to inform, are essential components of democratic debate.



Yemen – Launch of peace talks (April 22, 2016)

France welcomes the launch of inter-Yemeni negotiations in Kuwait.

We reaffirm our full support for the work of Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

France calls on all parties to work in good faith and without preconditions toward a political solution within the framework of UNSCR 2216, the Gulf Cooperation Council’s initiative, and the conclusions of the conference on national dialogue.

In order to put an end to the suffering of the civilian populations, the ceasefire must be fully respected and the populations must have unimpeded access to the humanitarian assistance they need.



Mexico – Explosion in a petrochemical plant (April 21, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, was shocked to learn of the explosion that occurred in a petrochemical plant in Mexico, which left many people dead.

We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

France stands in solidarity with the Mexican authorities and people at this difficult time.



UN – Quai d’Orsay’s support for model UN negotiations (PIMUN) (Paris - May 24-28, 2016)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development is offering its support for the fifth edition of the Paris International Model United Nations (PIMUN), a bilingual seminar bringing together French and foreign students from May 24 through 28 to engage in simulated negotiations.

More than a thousand students from over 50 countries will attend this event, under the high patronage of the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, to explore the theme "International Cooperation on Peace and Security."

This forum will help students from around the world gain a better understanding of the crucial role played by the United Nations. It is also a way for France, one of the organization’s founding countries and a permanent member of the Security Council, to pay tribute to the UN’s work.



Nepal – Exhibit on the country’s reconstruction at the Quai d'Orsay (beginning April 25, 2016)

A year after the devastating earthquake in Nepal that killed more than 9,000, including 10 French citizens, injured 21,000 and destroyed more than 500,000 homes, the Foreign Ministry is presenting an exhibition of photographs that chronicle the country’s rebuilding. The photographs will be displayed on the railings of the Quai d’Orsay starting on April 25.

With this exhibit, France wants to once again pay tribute to the victims of the disaster of April 25, 2015, and express its solidarity with the Nepalese people whose dignity and courage throughout this period of hardship have won admiration worldwide.

France continues to stand alongside the people of Nepal in supporting the reconstruction effort.



Climate – Screening of a documentary on the Paris Climate Agreement (April 22, 2016)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development is screening a documentary filmed behind the scenes at the Paris Climate Conference, during the process of reaching the agreement adopted in December 2015 to combat climate disruption. It may be viewed today on the Ministry’s website and social networks.

With the text of that agreement to be signed today by more than 160 countries at the UN’s New York headquarters, this documentary shows the work of the negotiators and the COP21 president to reach a consensus. It also offers a historic look back at the process and at the genesis of these negotiations.

For more information, go to www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/climat/paris-2015-cop21/la-conference-paris-2015-jour-par-jour/la-cop21-en-video/article/documentaire-l-accord-de-paris-les-coulisses-de-la-cop-21.



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