Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, spoke following the restricted meeting of the Defense Council at the Elysée on April 26.

The minister of foreign affairs presented the national assessment providing evidence of the use of sarin gas and the Syrian regime's responsibility in the chemical attack carried out in Khan Sheikhoun on April 4.

France, alongside its partners, remains committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous attack are held accountable.

For more information, please visit: http://fdip.fr/Preuves

Freedom of the press – Report by "Reporters without Borders" (April 26, 2017)

France expresses its concern following the publication on April 26 by "Reporters without Borders" of its report on the freedom of the press, which indicates an alarming deterioration in the situation around the world.

In a context in which propaganda, rumors and fake news spread rapidly, freedom of the press has never been so critical. The duty to inform is more important than ever. The protection of journalists is therefore an imperative.

That is why the defense of fundamental freedoms, especially the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, is a priority for our foreign policy. We remain committed, notably at the UN, to ensuring the protection of journalists.

Iraq – Attack against civilians in Mosul (April 25, 2017)

Daesh fighters, posing as Iraqi soldiers on April 25, executed at least 15 inhabitants in the area of Mosul's Old City still occupied by the terrorists.

France expresses its utmost shock at this unspeakable act. This attack again reflects the brutality and disregard for human life demonstrated by this terrorist organization.

We extend our condolences to the victims' families and assure the Iraqi people of our wholehearted solidarity.

France underscores all of the efforts being taken by Iraq and the coalition in order to liberate Mosul, while sparing civilians as much as possible. It reaffirms its support for the Iraqi authorities in the fight against Daesh's terrorism and is mobilized alongside its coalition partners.

Ukraine – Situation in the eastern part of the country

France is concerned by the potential deterioration in the humanitarian and health situation following the cuts to the supply of electricity and water in the Luhansk region.

France calls on the parties to find a solution within the Working Group on Economic Issues of the Trilateral Contact Group in order to restore the electricity supply and ensure continued access to water by the populations.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development – Creation of the "Solidarity-based Diplomacy" association

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development has gained a new association – the "Solidarity-based Diplomacy" association.

The association was established under the law of July 1, 1901, by various categories of Quai d'Orsay officials from all backgrounds, and is aimed at encouraging, promoting and implementing projects in the areas of education, mentoring and health in France and abroad, focusing on women and children.

The "Solidarity-based Diplomacy" association will launch a Solidarity-based Diplomacy event during the week of June 19 to 25, in all partner posts, reflecting the humanitarian values and civic engagement of ministry officials.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development now has 17 associations, reflecting the high level of involvement in voluntary associations by ministry officials.

Democratic Republic of Congo

What is your response to the screening of images showing the murder of two UN experts in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

France demands respect for the memory of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalán, the two UN experts murdered in Kasai, and for the grief of their loved ones.

It deplores the publicity the Congolese authorities have given a video showing their murder, especially while investigations are still underway.

France once again calls for their murder and that of their Congolese interpreter to be fully investigated so that those responsible may be identified and brought to justice.

Iraq / Syria – Turkish airstrikes

What do you think of the Turkish airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish forces?

All efforts must focus on combating Daesh in Iraq and Syria, in coordination with the international coalition.

Recapturing Raqqa and Mosul is a priority for all parties' security.

Turkey / Human Rights – Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Do you have any comment on the decision by the Parliament of the Council of Europe to put Turkey back on a watchlist?

The parliamentarians of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), who decided on April 25 to resume monitoring Turkey, made this determination independently.

France shares the concerns elicited by the situation of democratic institutions in Turkey.

It calls on the Turkish authorities to use this monitoring procedure to continue working with the Council of Europe so that Turkey may abide by its commitments with respect to the Council of Europe and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The EU foreign ministers will review the situation in Turkey and relations between that country and the EU during the Gymnich meeting to be held in Malta on April 28.