Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris, January 16, 2014)

Lebanon – Opening of the trial at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
Bahrain – Resumption of national dialogue
Syria

Lebanon – Opening of the trial at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon

France welcomes the opening today of the trial at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. The tribunal will try the individuals charged with having perpetrated the attack on February 14, 2005, which killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, along with 22 others, and injured many more.

This trial, which has been highly anticipated, notably by the families of the victims as well as the international community, marks a decisive step forward in the fight against impunity for terrorist acts.

France is keen to ensure that the tribunal, established by UNSCR 1757, will be able to complete its mission independently and in an atmosphere of calm.

In the current context of heightened security and following the attacks of the last few months, France supports the Lebanese authorities in their determination to combat all forms of terrorism and their commitment to fighting impunity.

Bahrain – Resumption of national dialogue

We welcome the initiative taken by the Crown Prince of Bahrain to resume national dialogue.

The authorities and the opposition must now agree on reforms that will take the aspirations of all Bahraini people into consideration.

The resumption of inclusive dialogue is the only way to restore calm on a lasting basis, while ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Syria

Q - What’s France assessment of the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria? What is the role of French experts?

France supports the efforts to ensure the complete and verifiable dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapon arsenal. It has made its best experts available to the International Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and has mobilized its efforts to ensure that the EU is able to contribute to the destruction process.

The OPCW noted that although it wasn’t possible to meet the deadline of December 31, 2013, for the removal of the most dangerous chemical agents, the deadline of the end of June 2014 for the destruction of the weapons will not be affected. We will continue to closely monitor the entire process.

The Syrian authorities have primary responsibility for the packaging of the materials and their transportation to the port of Latakia. The Syrian authorities must fulfill their obligations as swiftly as possible.