Sudan – Attack against a UNAMID convoy (November 24, 2013)
Niger – Meeting between Mr. Laurent Fabius and his Nigerien counterpart (Paris, November 25, 2013)
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25, 2013)
Iran – Statement issued by Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Sudan – Attack against a UNAMID convoy (November 24, 2013)
France condemns the attack perpetrated on November 24 against a UNAMID (African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) convoy which killed a Rwandan soldier.
We extend our condolences to the Rwandan authorities and to the victim’s family. France calls on the Sudanese government to swiftly investigate the recent attacks against UNAMID and to bring those responsible to justice.
France is concerned by the marked deterioration in the security situation in Darfur. Since the beginning of the year, intensified fighting has led to the displacement of more than 460,000 people. We reaffirm our support for UNAMID’s action as well as for the states contributing to the consolidation of peace in Darfur, and call on the parties to immediately resume the peace talks.
Niger – Meeting between Mr. Laurent Fabius and his Nigerien counterpart (Paris, November 25, 2013)
Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today with his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, in the presence of Mr. Pascal Canfin, Minister Delegate for Development.
Their exchanges notably focused on bilateral issues, the situation in Mali and regional security, following the Regional Ministerial Meeting on Border Security, which took place in Rabat on November 14. Mr. Laurent Fabius reaffirmed France’s determination to remain committed to Niger’s development.
This meeting provided an opportunity for the two ministers to sign a new Partnership Framework Document. The document establishes the guidelines for bilateral cooperation for the next 3 years. Further funding of almost €200 million is therefore anticipated for the 2013-2016 period. The priorities shared with Niger will focus on sustainable infrastructure development, human development, agriculture and food security, as well as governance.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25, 2013)
On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, France intends to play a leading role in promoting women’s rights.
France is mobilized in all multilateral forums. We supported the first UN resolutions aimed at condemning and combating female genital mutilation and forced marriages. We also promoted the adoption, at the Council of Europe, of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. France is also committed to ensuring that gender equality and the eradication of violence are included in the future objectives of the post-2015 development agenda.
Together with UN Women, we are particularly mobilized in support of practical projects in the Arab world and in sub-Saharan Africa. The effective implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on combating sexual violence in conflict is a key priority for France.
Further information can be found here: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/politique-etrangere-de-la-france/droits-de-l-homme/actualites-et-evenements-sur-le/actualites-2013-sur-le-theme-des/article/journee-internationale-pour-l-109298
Iran – Statement issued by Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Geneva, November 24, 2013
After years of stalemate, the Geneva agreement that we’ve just signed on the Iranian nuclear issue is a major step forward for security and for peace. This agreement confirms Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy, but totally excludes the possibility of any access to nuclear energy for military purposes.
The mechanism provides for intensive oversight and we must of course be vigilant with respect to its implementation. The discussions were lengthy and difficult and you will have noted that France played a full role in them because we wanted a strong agreement. Overall, and that’s what’s key, Geneva therefore represents an important – or even major - first step./.