Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris, July 21, 2014)
European Union – Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting (Brussels, July 22, 2014)
Iraq – Mosul – Ultimatum issued to Christians by the Islamic State
Egypt – Attack perpetrated against the security forces (July 19, 2014)
European Union – Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council meeting (Brussels, July 22, 2014)
Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, will today participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The meeting will provide an opportunity to address the following issues:
- Middle East: The ministers will discuss the situation in Gaza. Mr. Laurent Fabius will report on the visit he just made to the region and the exchanges he had there aimed at swiftly achieving a ceasefire, establishing a lasting truce and relaunching the peace process;
- Ukraine: The ministers will discuss the situation on the ground following the flight MH17 air crash. Mr. Laurent Fabius will reaffirm the need for a secure, open and detailed investigation and for Russia’s full cooperation in this respect. They will be expected to respond to the guidelines set out by the European Council of July 16 with respect to sanctions;
- Iran: Ms. Catherine Ashton will report on the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue in Vienna and the decision to extend them;
- Iraq: The Council will discuss the need to protect all communities and the political process which, following the election of the speaker of Iraq’s Parliament, should lead to the appointment of a new prime minister and a new president.
Iraq – Mosul – Ultimatum issued to Christians by the Islamic State
France utterly condemns the ultimatum issued by the Islamic State to Christians in Mosul. This is a further illustration of the true nature of this terrorist organization.
These unacceptable threats demonstrate the urgent need to re-establish in Iraq the conditions for inclusive political dialogue that will bring together all communities in order to address the challenges facing the country.
We are mobilized to ensure that the rights of Christian communities in the Middle East are respected. France champions the freedom of religion and belief throughout the world.
Egypt – Attack perpetrated against the security forces (July 19, 2014)
France condemns the attack on July 19 in the southwestern part of the country which killed 21 members of the Egyptian security forces.
We extend our condolences to the victims’ families.
France stands alongside the Egyptian authorities and people in their fight against terrorism. Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, reaffirmed this message on July 18 and 19 in Cairo to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his counterpart, Sameh Shukri.