The Daily Press Briefing

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


Paris - November 30, 2016
In this issue:

◢  Ireland – Meeting between Jean-Marc Ayrault and his counterpart (Paris - December 1, 2016)

◢  Armenia – Meeting between Harlem Désir and Armenian parliamentarians (Paris - November 30, 2016)

◢  Tourism – Matthias Fekl's participation in the 64th Congress of the French Union of Professions and Industries in the Hotel Business (November 30, 2016)

◢  Libya – Support for the economy

◢  Turkey – Fire (November 29, 2016)

◢  Rwanda

 
Ireland – Meeting between Jean-Marc Ayrault and his counterpart (Paris - December 1, 2016)

Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will receive his Irish counterpart, Charles Flanagan, on December 1.

The two ministers will take stock of our bilateral relations.

They will discuss the main international crises as well as the forthcoming European deadlines, notably in preparation for the UK's exit from the EU.



Armenia – Meeting between Harlem Désir and Armenian parliamentarians (Paris - November 30, 2016)

Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, received a delegation from the Armenian National Assembly's France-Armenia Friendship Group.

They discussed the development of bilateral relations as well as the prospects for the process to resolve the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Harlem Désir reaffirmed the commitment of France, which co-chairs the Minsk Group.



Tourism – Matthias Fekl's participation in the 64th Congress of the French Union of Professions and Industries in the Hotel Business (November 30, 2016)

Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, will take part in the 64th Congress of the French Union of Professions and Industries in the Hotel Business (UMIH).

This visit will provide an opportunity to take stock of the needs and challenges of this sector in order to meet the demands of French and international customers.

Matthias Fekl will meet with the industry professionals to discuss the various measures undertaken by the government and the tourism recovery plan presented this fall.



Libya – Support for the economy

On the sidelines of the prime minister's visit to Tunisia, Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, participated on November 28 in the launch of an EU-funded project to be implemented by Expertise France.

This project aims to support the private sector with co-financing of €200,000 provided by France in order to help diversify the Libyan economy and support SMEs.

During this visit, Matthias Fekl met with Musa al-Koni, Vice-President of the Libyan Presidency Council, and Badad Abduljalil, Minister for Local Governance of the Government of National Accord. The discussions focused on progress in the political process, reconciliation efforts and the security situation. The minister of state reaffirmed France's support for the Government of National Accord and stressed that beyond reconciliation between the Libyan people, it would not be possible to achieve peace without economic recovery and the development of all regions of Libya.



Turkey – Fire (November 29, 2016)

We were saddened to learn of the death of several children as a result of a fire in a boarding school for girls in Adana.

France extends its condolences to the victims' families and friends.

It assures Turkey of its solidarity at this painful time.



Rwanda

Rwanda has launched an investigation into the role of 20 French officials in the genocide. What is your response?

The request from the Rwandan courts has been sent to the Ministry of Justice for review. It does not call for any comment by us.

France is fully committed to the prosecution of individuals who took part in the genocide. In addition to our country's support for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, French courts have convicted several people and are investigating several cases.

The seriousness of the crimes committed in Rwanda demands that justice be served in a calm and impartial manner.


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