France is deeply concerned at reports that North Korea is preparing to carry out a ballistic missile test. This would constitute a further violation of its international obligations that would require a firm response on the part of the international community.

We urge North Korea to refrain from any gesture likely to further increase regional tensions and to fully implement the UN Security Council resolutions without delay.

Syria – Statement by Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development (Paris - February 3, 2016)

The United Nations special envoy has just announced the suspension of the inter-Syrian negotiations in Geneva due to the tragic circumstances on the ground in Syria, which deprive them of any meaning.

We condemn the brutal offensive conducted by the Syrian regime, with Russia's support, to surround and stifle Aleppo and its hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. I express France's full support for the decision by the special envoy, in this context, to suspend the negotiations, to which neither Bashar al-Assad's regime nor its supporters apparently wish to contribute in good faith, thus torpedoing peace efforts.

France expects the regime and its allies to honor their humanitarian obligations and Security Council Resolution 2254, namely by halting indiscriminate bombing, lifting sieges and [allowing] full humanitarian access to the Syrian people.

The forthcoming international meetings, particularly the London conference in which I shall be taking part tomorrow, will provide an opportunity for in-depth consultations with our partners on the next essential steps.

Belgium – Meeting between Harlem Désir and Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs (Paris - February 4, 2016)

In follow-up to the working lunch hosted yesterday by Laurent Fabius for his Belgian counterpart, Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, also met with Didier Reynders this morning.

This meeting notably focused on preparations for the European Council meeting on February 18 and 19, which will be devoted to the European response to the migration crisis and to the requests made by the United Kingdom ahead of the referendum on its relationship with the European Union.