Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, October 27, 2009)

Award given to Zimbabwean lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa
Ingushetia
Jerusalem
Iran/ Nuclear
Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)

Award given to Zimbabwean lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa

During her visit to France, Beatrice Mtetwa, a lawyer and president of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, will be presented with the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize by the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher.

Beatrice Mtetwa is the second African recipient, after Nelson Mandela in 1985, of this prestigious prize, which is awarded by lawyers to lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their fight to defend human rights and against intolerance.

Within the framework of her work, Beatrice Mtetwa has also defended the rights of lawyers, journalists and representatives of civil society that have been indicted as a result of their efforts to protect fundamental freedoms. Her unwavering commitment means that Beatrice Mtetwa is central to Zimbabwean political life.

A press conference will be held at the Foreign Press Center on Friday, October 30, 2009, at 11:00 AM.

Ingushetia

France condemns the murder of Maksharip Aushev, a political figure and human rights defender in the republic of Ingushetia (Russian Federation).

This murder bears witness to the increase in violence in the Northern Caucasus which has resulted in many casualties over the last few months, particular among the civilian population and human rights activists. France is closely following with concern the developments in the situation in this region.

We encourage the Russian authorities to spare no effort in trying to shed light on the circumstances surrounding these murders. It is essential that the perpetrators of these murders and those who ordered them be brought to justice.

France supports the efforts of those who campaign and work everyday to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Northern Caucasus.

Jerusalem

What happened on Friday on the Esplanade of the Mosques?

Within the context of the tense situation that has existed in Jerusalem for 10 days now, France urges the parties to refrain from any provocative action in order to conserve the chances for dialogue and avoid a new spiraling of violence in the holy city.

Furthermore, at the Minister’s request, Jean-Claude Cousseran, the current Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Academy will take part in the International Forum on Jerusalem in Rabat on October 28 and 29 under the patronage of the King of Morocco and the Arafat Foundation.

Iran/ Nuclear

It would seem that Iran wants major changes to the IAEA’s draft agreement. Do you think that the IAEA’s draft agreement is hard and fast and should not be changed or are you prepared to accept changes?

Concerning Iran, you saw that Mr. Kouchner gave his opinion this morning. The message that we want to convey concerning Iran today is in line with the Minister’s statement to the press in Luxembourg.

I will merely reaffirm the timing; the experts’ negotiations on the issue of uranium enrichment were being concluded on Wednesday. At the end of this stage, the IAEA put a document referring to the draft agreement on the table.

To date, the Americans, Russians, and ourselves have approved the draft agreement. We are now waiting for Iran’s response.

[…] Is this proposal to be taken as it is or can some of the topics in the proposal be negotiated?

The Iranians have said that they will give their response in the next few days.

Did the minister talk about this point? Does he consider it to be an obstacle that we can accept or refuse?

We must wait for the Iranian’s response. Mr. ElBaradei is waiting for Iran’s response.

What does that mean for the next 3+3 meeting? Has a date been agreed?

Not as far as I know. It is currently being determined. I don’t have any indication of the date.

Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)

What is the status of your preparations for the UfM ministerial meeting in November? Could you give us an indication of the date of this meeting? Will a Secretary-General be appointed at that time?

There is a Jordanian candidate and France would apparently oppose this candidacy. Could you explain why?

Concerning the UfM ministerial meeting, I don’t have any other information; we are continuing to consult with the Egyptian joint presidency and the Swedish EU Presidency. It may be discussed in Luxembourg, at the press conference. Like you, we have seen the press articles with anonymous sources. I personally do not have any definitive information. However, I can tell you that, within the framework of the UfM’s work program, there will be a ministerial meeting on “strengthening the role of women in society” which will take place on November 11 and 12 in Marrakesh, an indication of the effective cooperation that exists within the UfM. Xavier Darcos, the Minister of Social Affairs, will represent France at this conference.