France commends the success of the National Bangui Forum, which took place from May 4 to 11 and allowed the people of the Central African Republic, in all their diversity, to voice their expectations and to lay the groundwork for national reconciliation.

France hopes that the forum's conclusions will help resolve the crisis, following the terrible ordeals endured by the people of the Central African Republic. Compromises were reached on the issues of peace and security, justice and reconciliation, governance and economic reconstruction. We call for the swift implementation of the agreement agreed upon by almost all of the armed groups with a view to disarming and demobilizing the combatants.

France urges the transitional authorities and all political actors in the Central African Republic to mobilize their efforts, with the support of the UN and the international community, to hold, as swiftly as possible in 2015, presidential and parliamentary elections that will mark the end of the transition and provide the country with institutions responsible for continuing national reconciliation and reconstruction.

Mali - Attack against the Malian armed forces (May 11, 2015)

France condemns the attack against a convoy belonging to the Malian army on May 11 in the region of Timbuktu, which killed 9 Malian soldiers. We extend our condolences to the victims’ families and the Malian authorities.

France denounces the repeated violations of the ceasefire and reaffirms that the UN Security Council is prepared to adopt individual sanctions against those who fail to uphold it. The only way to put an end to the crisis in Mali is through a peace process.

France calls on the representatives of the Coordination of Azawad Movements to demonstrate responsibility. It urges them to put an immediate end to the violence and to travel to Bamako on May 15 to sign the agreement on peace and reconciliation in Mali.

Nepal

New earthquake: According to your records, how many French citizens are currently in Nepal? Have you increased the level of staff at the embassy since the first earthquake (if I’m not mistaken, there are normally 4 staff members)? Do you envisage a further delivery of humanitarian aid (rescue works, assistance) following the new earthquake that’s just happened?

A new earthquake struck Nepal this morning.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development crisis and support center immediately opened a crisis unit and set up an emergency hot line: 01 43 17 56 46.

Our embassy in Kathmandu and the crisis center in Paris, in coordination with the local authorities and tour operators, are currently assessing the number of French citizens likely to be in the area. As far as we know, French tour operators have stopped offering services to Nepal. Some of our compatriots have however been able to get there despite our recommendations which can be found on the France Diplomatie website (http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/nepal-12298/) and without informing our services of their plans.

Some of our support units are still deployed on the ground. There are around 30 sécurité civile [emergency services] staff and health workers there. Several Ministry of Foreign Affairs support staff are also still in the region.

With respect to sending additional humanitarian assistance, we are in continuous contact, through our embassy, with the Nepalese authorities. We stand ready to take action based on the requirements identified by the authorities.

United Kingdom

David Cameron says he wants to apply for exemptions from European law for the United Kingdom, notably with respect to migration. How will France respond to these requests?

Together with our European partners, we will review the requests made by the British authorities, in accordance with the key principles of European integration.