Statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris, October 17, 2014)
EU – Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg, October 20, 2014)
Health – Ms. Girardin’s participation in the World Health Summit (Berlin, October 19, 2014)
United Nations – Security Council – Election of new non-permanent members (New York, October 16, 2014)
Democratic Republic of Congo – Deadly incursion by an armed group in Beni (October 16, 2014)
Sudan – Darfur – Death of three peacekeepers (Korma, October 16, 2014)
Egypt – Attacks (October 16, 2014)
Pakistan – Situation of Ms. Asia Bibi
Argentina – Cooperation in the space sector – Launch of Arsat-1 communications satellite (Kourou, October 16, 2014)
Cultural network update – China – “Long Ma, Spirit of the Horse Dragon” show (Beijing, October 17 to 19, 2014)
EU – Mr. Laurent Fabius’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg, October 20, 2014)
Laurent Fabius will participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council on October 20 in Luxembourg. The ministers will pay tribute – on the occasion of her last Council meeting – to Ms. Catherine Ashton’s action over the last five years. Ms. Ashton will notably provide an update on the Iranian nuclear issue following the meeting in Vienna.
This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the following issues:
- Ebola: The ministers will discuss the European response to the crisis, notably with respect to mobilizing capabilities and funding;
- Iraq/ Syria/ Daesh: The discussion will focus on the different dimensions of the crisis – humanitarian, political and military;
- Libya: The ministers will reaffirm their support for Mr. Bernardino Leon, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and will discuss how the EU can support him;
- Peace process: An update on the situation will be given following the conference in Cairo on October 12;
- Ukraine: The ministers will review the situation on the ground and the latest diplomatic developments. They will review the launch of an EU civilian operation to help the Ukrainian authorities to reform the security sector.
Health – Ms. Girardin’s participation in the World Health Summit (Berlin, October 19, 2014)
Ms. Annick Girardin, Minister of State for Development and Francophony, will participate in the World Health Summit on October 19 in Berlin.
Under the patronage of President Hollande, the German Chancellor and the president of the European Commission, this meeting will bring together senior political, scientific, economic and civil society officials to discuss key global health issues and recommendations in this area.
This year, the summit will focus on the fight against the Ebola epidemic, the link between health and climate and universal health coverage.
United Nations – Security Council – Election of new non-permanent members (New York, October 16, 2014)
France congratulates Angola, Spain, Malaysia, New Zealand and Venezuela on their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. They will serve on the Security Council for a period of two years from January 2015.
France welcomes the prospect of working closely with them on all issues addressed in this forum, which assumes, under the UN Charter, the primary responsibility in matters relating to international peace and security.
Democratic Republic of Congo – Deadly incursion by an armed group in Beni (October 16, 2014)
France condemns the attacks perpetrated on October 16 in the town of Beni (North Kivu) which reportedly killed around 30 civilians.
We extend our condolences to the victims’ families.
We pay tribute to the resolute action of the Congolese armed forces, supported by the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, within the framework of Operation Sukola launched in January 2014 to put an end to the actions of armed groups in the region.
France reaffirms the need for resolute action against all forces that perpetuate an atmosphere of violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sudan – Darfur – Death of three peacekeepers (Korma, October 16, 2014)
France condemns the attack perpetrated on October 16 in Korma against the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, which killed three Ethiopian peacekeepers.
We express our condolences to the victims’ families as well as the Ethiopian authorities and call on the Sudanese government to conduct a swift investigation in order to bring the perpetrators to justice.
France calls on all parties to participate without preconditions in the talks which must now take place in Addis Ababa under the auspices of the African Union’s mediator, Thabo Mbeki.
We reaffirm our support for the UN’s action and for the states that are contributing to peacekeeping efforts and helping to protect civilians in Darfur.
Egypt – Attacks (October 16, 2014)
France condemns yesterday’s attack that killed two police officers in El Arish (Sinai) as well as the attack that injured several people in Tanta.
We extend our condolences the victims’ families.
France assures the Egyptian people and government of its solidarity and stands alongside them in their fight against terrorism.
Pakistan – Situation of Ms. Asia Bibi
France reaffirms its deep concern regarding the fate of Ms. Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman sentenced to death in her country for the “crime of blasphemy” on November 8, 2010, whose sentence was upheld on appeal.
We oppose the death penalty everywhere and under all circumstances and reaffirm our resolute commitment in support of its universal abolition.
France underscores that the “crime of blasphemy” undermines the freedom of religion or belief, as well as the freedom of opinion and expression. France calls on Pakistan to comply with its international commitments, notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms.
Argentina – Cooperation in the space sector – Launch of Arsat-1 communications satellite (Kourou, October 16, 2014)
Arianespace launched the communications satellite Arsat-1, developed in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defense and Space, from the Kourou Space Center on October 16.
Ms. Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Minister of National Education, Higher Education and Research, and Mr. Julio de Vido, Argentina’s Minister of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services, attended the launch.
This success confirms the excellent nature of the cooperation between France and Argentina in the space sector.
Cultural network update – China – “Long Ma, Spirit of the Horse Dragon” show (Beijing, October 17 to 19, 2014)
From October 17 to 19, the Chinese public is invited to discover a unique show entitled “Long Ma, Spirit of the Horse Dragon,” at Beijing’s Olympic Park. Mr. Laurent Fabius will attend the last performance of the show during his visit to China this week.
Developed by Nantes-based company, “La Machine,” and produced by dozens of French craftsmen, “Long Ma,” a 12-meter high horse dragon made of 46 tons of wood and metal, comes face to face with another huge creation, a giant spider, in a performance based on the creation myth. Operators will bring these giant creatures to life, while machines will produce fire, snow, wind and rain. The two characters will perform for spectators at the Olympic venue in the city.
Supported by the Institut français and produced under the auspices of Beijing Municipality and the Embassy of France in China, this project symbolizes French-Chinese friendship on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. The horse dragon will become a permanent tourist attraction in the city of Beijing.
For more information please visit: www.france-chine50.com; www.ambafrance-cn.org