Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, spoke on the telephone with Fayez Serraj, Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya, on Friday, April 29. They notably discussed the situation in the region of Sirte.

Jean-Marc Ayrault reaffirmed France’s support for the national unity government, led by Fayez Serraj, and called on him to coordinate, under his authority, any action by the various Libyan forces to combat Daesh.

Italy – Meeting between Harlem Désir and his Italian counterpart (Paris - May 2, 2016)

Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, will receive his Italian counterpart, Sandro Gozi, this evening. They will discuss major current European issues, especially the response to the migrant flows, as well as the fight against terrorism and the strengthening of the Economic and Monetary Union.

Mr. Désir will attend a lecture given by Sandro Gozi at the Maison de l’Europe to mark the launch of his book «Génération Erasmus, ils sont déjà au pouvoir» («The Erasmus generation – they are already in power») (published by Plon, 2016).

Syria – Situation on the ground (May 2, 2016)

France strongly condemns the attacks by the regime which have caused numerous casualties. Developments over the last few days have been tragic for the civilian populations, who, like the medical care facilities, are being deliberately targeted by the regime.

We call for the restoration of the truce agreed upon on February 27, 2016, throughout the Syrian territory. France calls on the regime’s supporters to assume their responsibilities and to use their influence on Damascus to bring the fighting to an end.

France would like a ministerial meeting of the International Syria Support Group to be convened in the near future in order to restore the truce, reaffirm the need to protect the civilian populations in accordance with international humanitarian law and to give the negotiations for a political solution a chance, in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Communiqué and UNSCR 2254.

Turkey – Attacks (May 2, 2016)

France condemns the attacks perpetrated in Turkey on May 1, 2016, in Gaziantep and at several military posts in the southeastern part of the country.

France extends its condolences to the victims’ families.

In these tragic circumstances, we express our solidarity with Turkey and the Turkish people.

Iraq – Attacks in Baghdad and in the south of the country (April 30–May 1, 2016)

France condemns the deadly attacks carried out by Daesh which killed scores of people on April 30 and May 1, 2016 in Iraq - in Baghdad during a pilgrimage, and in Samawa, in the south of the country.

We express our wholehearted solidarity with the Iraqi people and extend our condolences to the victims’ families.

France, which is actively involved in the efforts of the Global Coalition to counter Daesh, reaffirms its determination to combat terrorism and all forms of sectarian violence in Iraq.

Culture ⁄ 2017 Venice Biennale – Selection of artist for French pavilion

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault and Culture and Communication Minister Audrey Azoulay have selected Xavier Veilhan’s «Merzbau musical» project to represent France at the 57th Venice Biennale.

To be curated by Lionel Bovier and Christian Marclay, this installation will explore the volumes and spaces of the pavilion, drawing inspiration from the world of the recording studio. Visitors will discover extraordinary musical instruments, some invented for the occasion, and will hear a wide variety of musicians throughout the Biennale.

Mr. Ayrault and Ms. Azoulay laud the scope of this project, which creates a dialogue among different types of visual arts and music. They also want to applaud the effort and quality of all the candidates’ proposals.