Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign and European Spokesperson (Paris, March 8, 2010)

Middle East peace process: Statement by Bernard Kouchner
Sudan/ UNAMID
Iceland

Middle East peace process: Statement by Bernard Kouchner

France welcomes the courageous decision by the Palestine Liberation Organization to agree to the launch of indirect negotiations. In spite of the difficulties and obstacles, this decision demonstrates a commitment to achieve peace and the sense of responsibility of the Palestinian leaders which we hope will contribute to the resumption of the dynamics of peace in the region.

The Arab Peace Initiative Follow-up Committee supports this decision. This represents an important step and strengthens Mahmoud Abbas’s approach.

 

Sudan/ UNAMID

We were concerned to learn that a UNAMID team had been attacked and briefly kidnapped whilst returning from an assessment mission in Jebel Marra (southern Darfur) on March 5 and 6.

France condemns this new incident targeting UNAMID personnel and the escalation of attacks against UNAMID observed over the last few months.

In the run-up to the general elections that are critical for the stability of this region, France expresses its grave concern given the climate of insecurity that continues to affect Darfur.

 

Iceland

Q - Is the “no” vote in the referendum on the Icesave agreement likely to have a negative impact on Iceland’s accession to the European Union?

We encourage the Icelandic government’s determination to continue the negotiations with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands aimed at settling this dispute. The international community should also continue its efforts to promote improved regulation of financial and banking activities so that such a situation cannot happen again.

The Commission’s recommendation regarding Iceland’s candidature is under review by the European Council, the body responsible for deciding on EU enlargement, which will give a decision on Iceland’s candidature in due course.

This candidature will be examined in the same way as other candidatures according to its own merits, the ability to meet the conditions of accession (Copenhagen criteria) and the European Union’s absorption capacity, in accordance with the principles approved by the Council in 2006.