“Diplomatie” web portal
Syria
“Diplomatie” web portal
What does the creation of the “Diplomatie” web portal mean?
By creating the interministerial web portal for diplomatic correspondence, known as “Diplomatie,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius wanted to open up access to some of the diplomatic network’s work while strengthening the security of communications.
Allowing access to some of the diplomatic correspondence is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ general strategy aimed at making use of the advantages offered by digital technology to modernize its network and strengthen its international action.
Indeed, the opportunities as well as the risks associated with the digital revolution have prompted a reform of the methods of producing and circulating diplomatic correspondence. In July 2014, after two years of developments based on best practices for handling information on the digital networks, we will launch the "Diplomatie" web portal, which will be the first unified network for interministerial communication in the diplomatic field. It will provide government officials with collaborative tools to produce and share their correspondence in a secure environment.
Qualified external figures – from all sectors interested in international action: the media, businesses, associations, the research sector - will be able to access certain content at the invitation of diplomats within communities created for this purpose. Thus we believe that we will be able to intensify the approach that has been adopted for some time now aimed at sharing the documentary resources of the French diplomatic network with the key actors and experts in international politics, in support of our economic diplomacy and diplomacy of influence.
Access to diplomatic correspondence will be gradually opened up. Indeed, it will primarily be the responsibility of the ambassadors and directors to organize the data sharing communities through which the exchange of information will be as productive as possible for each of their members. The first communities should therefore be created during the second half of 2014.
The audience will be expanded for correspondence that is not classified; the correspondence will relate to topics of general interest regarding which our diplomatic network provide analyses and comments that are worthy of being communicated to those who, in one way or another, provide their expertise and contribute to efforts to promote France’s international influence.
Regarding Syria, the minister said on RTL this morning that “in collaboration with a whole list of other countries” France will table a resolution at the UN in support of increased humanitarian action and to open up access to the cities in order to allow delivery of food and medicines.
Can you clarify what this involves, and which countries he’s referring to – and have you consulted with China and Russia regarding this matter?
Discussions are in fact under way in New York on a draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in Syria, on the initiative of several of our partners. Consultations on this draft are being conducted with the Security Council members.
As Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicated this morning, “we are calling for much stronger humanitarian action and demand that access be granted to the cities in order to allow delivery of food and medicines.” It’s absolutely outrageous that we’ve already been discussing this for some time and that we’re continuing to starve people every day.”
The seriousness of the situation facing the Syrian people confirms the urgent need to mobilize the international community. Following the agreement reached last week regarding the Old City of Homs allowing the evacuation of civilians, the humanitarian aid convoys leaving the Old City were attacked by mortar shells on February 8. These deliberate attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers are unacceptable. In addition, the bombing attacks are continuing in Aleppo and again killed several people last week.