France takes note of the agreement announced between Russia, Iran and Turkey in Astana aimed at imposing a cessation of hostilities in Syria. France has continuously called for an effective end to the fighting and violence.

It therefore expects these commitments to be put into practice and to allow free, continuous and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the country, including in the besieged areas.

It reiterates its hope that this cessation of hostilities will be monitored at the international level—the only way to avoid a subsequent resurgence of violence.

France calls for a resumption of the political negotiations in Geneva between the regime and the opposition under UN auspices. The only way to put an end to the Syrian crisis and to defeat terrorism is through a genuine political transition, in accordance with UNSCR 2254.

Elections – Voting by French nationals abroad

More than 1.3 million French nationals abroad registered on the consular electoral lists are eligible to vote in the second round of the presidential elections on May 6 and 7.

The minister of foreign affairs and international development and his diplomatic and consular network are committed to enabling our compatriots living abroad to vote. 866 polling stations in 450 locations will be open, i.e. an increase of more than 10% compared to 2012.

Voter turnout during the first round was 44%, an increase of 6 percentage points compared with the first round of the 2012 presidential election. Due to the large number of voters in some cities, steps have been taken to reduce waiting times.

Practical information is available on the diplomatie.gouv.fr website (click on the link on the home page) and on our embassy and consulate websites.

Legal and Security Cooperation with Suriname – Statement by Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, and Ericka Bareigts, Minister for Overseas France (Paris - May 4, 2017)

The French ambassador to Paramaribo has had a successful meeting with the Suriname authorities who showed a real desire to strengthen to strengthen our cooperation on justice and security matters.

Suriname confirmed its intention to ratify the agreements on readmission and police cooperation already concluded several years ago. Such ratifications are important because they should facilitate the establishment of a Police Cooperation Center in Saint-Laurent du Maroni.

Our two countries have agreed to accelerate the conclusion of a mutual legal assistance agreement. The entire Guiana plateau is facing the same security challenges; we applaud this reaffirmed desire to face them together.