Gaza/ Peace flotilla
Afghanistan
Gaza/ Peace flotilla
Israel has established an “independent public commission” with the participation of two foreign observers to investigate the attack against the flotilla that was en route to Gaza. Do you think this is adequate? Does it meet the Security Council’s demands in this respect? Turkey has stated that it does not trust the Israeli commission of inquiry. What is your opinion? At the time, the minister called for an inquiry that was not just “credible and transparent,” but “impartial and international.” Does France believe that all these criteria are included in Israel’s format for the inquiry?
We called for the implementation of a credible and transparent inquiry into the operation that led to the death of 9 people off the coast of Gaza on May 31.
The presence of international observers in the commission implemented by the Israeli authorities is a positive element.
We hope that this commission will, in accordance with the presidential statement by the UN Security Council on June 1, be able to conduct a credible, transparent and impartial investigation in accordance with international standards.
The New York Times is claiming today that, according to U.S. officials, there are huge mineral reserves in Afghanistan, including copper and lithium. Can France, which has a military presence in Afghanistan, confirm this?
France, like its partners present in Afghanistan, is striving, alongside the Afghan government, to develop the human and economic potential of this country. This must take place within the framework of long-term development which is a key factor in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. The international community is mobilized towards achieving this reconstruction.
The Afghan authorities have begun, with the support of their partners, to identify the natural mineral resources in Afghanistan and to assess their potential in terms of the long-term economic development of the country.
A preliminary report will be presented at the Kabul Conference on July 20. It should be accompanied by the initial elements of the essential policy on the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources which remains to be defined.