France condemns the terrorist attack carried out on May 2 against a camp for displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees in Hasaka Province in Syria, which killed several dozen people. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. We also condemn the attack which targeted and killed at least 10 Iraqi soldiers the same day.

We assure the Syrian and Iraqi people of our solidarity at this difficult time, and extend our condolences to the victims' families.

France reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism alongside its international coalition partners. The priority is to liberate Raqqa and Mosul and to put an end to Daesh control in Syria and Iraq.

Libya – Meeting between Prime Minister Serraj and General Khalifa Hifter (May 2, 2017)

France welcomes the meeting between Prime Minister Fayez Serraj and General Khalifa Hifter on May 2 in Abu Dhabi under the auspices of the UAE authorities. This was their first meeting since January 2016.

France supports all initiatives aimed at strengthening dialogue between all parties in Libya. It underscores the urgent need to reach a political compromise under UN auspices.

It also calls on the parties to put an end to the fighting and to commit to a political solution.

Human Rights – World Press Freedom Day (May 3, 2017)

On this World Press Freedom Day, France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the freedom of the press and freedom of expression throughout the world.

Media pluralism, the right to inform and be informed, and the ability to express critical points of view are vital to democratic debate. Journalists and all media personnel play a crucial role. The exercise of their profession makes it possible to defend this fundamental freedom.

France is mobilized within the UN framework in support of that freedom, the protection of journalists, and the fight against impunity for those who undermine them. It calls for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 2222 adopted on May 27, 2015, on the protection of journalists in armed conflict. In this regard, our permanent delegation in New York will co-chair a meeting today on female journalists in armed conflicts.