Daily Press Briefing
Statements made by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
(excerpts)
(Paris, January 26, 2006)
[Please note that only the original French text issued by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be considered official.]
EUROPEAN UNION
After an initial trip on November 28 and 29 in the context of closer involvement of Parliament in the European decision-making process, European Affairs Minister Delegate Catherine Colonna will accompany a second delegation of 30 or so deputies and senators to Brussels on Monday and Tuesday, January 30 and 31.
The purpose of this session is to deepen their knowledge of the issues and the European decision-making mechanisms. They will be received by European Commission President José Manual Barroso and Margot Wallstrom, vice president of the Commission responsible for institutional relations and communication strategy. They will meet with Josep Borrell, president of the European Parliament, and other members of the European Parliament. They will attend a working dinner with Catherine Colonna and Jacques Barrot, European Commission vice-president for transport.
The French legislators will also have working sessions with France’s Permanent Representation to the European Union, specifically on the institutions and regional policy. Lastly, they will have talks with the staff of Vladimir Spidla, commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities.
Q - What’s your reaction to the Hamas victory in the Palestinian elections on Wednesday? Does the EU have to continue its assistance to the Palestinian Authority if it is controlled by Hamas?
The results of these elections are not final yet. We’re waiting for the official proclamation to comment in more detail.
I would recalls nonetheless that the minister yesterday hailed the way the legislative elections had taken place in the Palestinian Territories. He emphasized that the calm in which the voting operations took place, and the high voter turnout were proof of the democratic maturity of the Palestinian people. This fact alone represents a critical element in consolidating the institutions of the Palestinian Authority.
The European Union will discuss the consequences of the results of the elections at the general affairs/external relations council. The conclusions of the discussions in the Quartet, which will meet at the level of special representatives on Monday, will also be of great importance.
In any case, as the prime minister and foreign minister have emphasized, it is essential in our view that the government that emerges from the elections renounces violence explicitly and publicly, and recognizes the State of Israel, its right to live in peace and security and all the agreements signed in the past between the State of Israel and the PLO.
Q - Will France appeal for Israeli cooperation with the new Hamas-dominated Palestinian government and how do you see the roadmap given the latest developments?
After these elections and the Israeli elections on March 28, 2006, the international community will have to mobilize to relaunch a political process in accordance with international law and based on the roadmap, working with the new Israeli government and a revamped Palestinian Authority.
We are going to be examining with our partners straight away, at the general affairs/external relations council meeting, the ways and means of furthering the political process which we are urging.
Q - What is France’s position on Hamas today after its popular election? Is it, as some European states still claim, a terrorist movement or a valid and duly elected movement?
I would remind you that Hamas is still on the list of terrorist organizations drawn up by the European Union. We have continually urged all the Palestinian forces to become integrated in political life, renounce violence explicitly and publicly, and recognize the State of Israel.
Q - What is your reaction to the Chinese statements about Iran and the approach that has been adopted, according to Beijing, with regard to Iranian nuclear activities?
The dinner in London next Monday, which will bring together the German, British and French ministers along with their Russian, Chinese and American counterparts, will afford an opportunity to exchange views on the Iran question ahead of the extraordinary IAEA board meeting on February 2 and 3.
The French position is well known and was re-stated by the minister during his trip to Moscow. I’ve nothing to add./.
Embassy of France, January 26, 2006