Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, July 7, 2010)

Israel – Palestinian Territories/ Easing of the Gaza blockade
Lebanon

Israel – Palestinian Territories/ Easing of the Gaza blockade

France welcomed the Israeli authorities’ announcement of their intention to encourage an easing of the Gaza blockade. With this in mind, we welcome the recent adoption of measures aimed at facilitating the delivery of civilian goods and, under certain conditions, building materials to the Gaza Strip, which is a positive step in the right direction.

We will be careful to ensure the swift and full implementation of this decision, in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and our Quartet and European Union partners. In order for this decision to lead to a real improvement in the living conditions of the civilian population, it should also be accompanied by further measures, such as the increase in the capacity of the crossing points, the resumption of exports from the Gaza Strip and the relaxation of the restrictions on the movement of persons from and to the Gaza Strip.

Lebanon

Q - There is talk that UNIFIL will be reorganized into a single zone this summer, without sectors being allocated to particular countries. What is the status of this, and has the French contingent of UNIFIL perhaps made plans to become a quick reaction force, one that will be mobile and vigilant throughout the UNIFIL zone?

You should check with the Ministry of Defense.

Q - Can you confirm that Bernard Kouchner met with the Lebanese Prime Minister yesterday? If so, can you give us a report on the meeting?

On July 6, Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, met with the President of the Council of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, who was conducting a private visit to Paris. This meeting falls within the framework of the privileged relationship between Lebanon and France and follows on from numerous meetings between the minister and the Lebanese Head of Government and authorities.

During their meeting they discussed the situation in Lebanon and in particular the recent attacks against UNIFIL in the south of Lebanon, which France strongly condemned. Bernard Kouchner reaffirmed the need for the strict implementation of resolution 1701 and for the respect for the freedom of movement of UNIFIL, which is a key condition for the deployment of the UN peacekeeping operations. The minister expressed his concern and indicated that France would request that a special meeting of the Security Council take place as soon as possible in order to allow the Council to express its support for the UNIFIL troops.

The meeting also focused on the regional situation, whether regarding the follow-up to the Paris Conference, the international community’s support for the creation of a Palestinian State or expectations with respect to the resumption of the peace process.