China/ Arrest of Lui Xiaobo
France/ Human rights
Middle East
China/ Arrest of Lui Xiaobo
France expresses its concern following the arrest of the human rights activist, Liu Xiaobo, which was confirmed yesterday by the Chinese authorities.
The European Union had already expressed its concern in December 2008 following the detention of Liu Xiaobo, who is one of the signatories of the “2008 Charter” which calls on China to continue with its political reforms.
France is attached to defending human rights in China as it is everywhere in the world. The freedom of expression is a fundamental element that must be fully respected. This issue comes within the scope of the dialogue between France and China as well as between the European Union and China.
France/ Human rights
Q - What will become of human rights advocacy at the Quai d’Orsay after the disappearance of the secretariat responsible for this issue?
Defending and promoting human rights are central to our foreign policy, whatever the ministerial organization at the Quai d’Orsay.
France plays a key role in this constant struggle, both within the multilateral forums and within the framework of its bilateral relations.
We are fully committed to continuing this action. Bernard Kouchner will continue, as he has done so since taking office, to be fully mobilized in support of this issue which has always been close to his heart.
The Human Rights Ambassador, François Zimeray, is currently conducting a mission in the North Caucasus region, at the minister’s request. He is in Chechnya today where he is meeting with human rights associations and activists; France supports their action in Russia as it does everywhere in the world.
Middle East
Q - What do you think of the speech given by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad at Al-Quds University on the creation of a Palestinian State without waiting for an end to the occupation?
In this speech given on June 22 at Al-Quds University, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority called on the Palestinian people to unite in support of the plan to create a Palestinian State and strengthen its institutions.
This speech confirms the Palestinian Authority’s approach towards achieving peace and reform. We reaffirm our full support for this approach and the reunification of the Palestinians.
Our principles are well known. We wish for the rapid resumption of negotiations aimed at creating a viable, modern, independent and democratic Palestinian State, existing in peace alongside Israel within secure and recognized borders.
Any solution must be based on the principle of exchanging land for peace, on Security Council resolutions, on the Road Map and on the Arab Peace Initiative, key elements for a comprehensive and lasting settlement in the Middle East.
Q - Is the organization of an international meeting in Paris on the peace process in the Middle East still on the agenda? Does France want to discuss the issue with Benjamin Netanyahu?
France is ready to contribute to the resumption and rapid conclusion of the peace negotiations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
We believe that any action that will lead to progress in this direction is welcome. The goal of the detailed discussions that we are having with all of our partners, the United States, Israel, the Arab States, the European countries and other members of the Quartet, is precisely to establish the best way to move forward.
These discussions are not over. The Israeli Prime Minister’s first visit to France since he took office in April will provide an opportunity to discuss this issue.
Within this context, the Quartet meeting on the sidelines of the G8 Ministers’ Meeting in Trieste on June 26 and 27 will also allow the European Union to signal its willingness to support a rapid resumption of the negotiations and to help the parties implement the future peace agreement that we are hoping for.