The Daily Press Briefing

Statements made by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and International Development
Spokesperson


Paris - May 26, 2016
In this issue:

◢  Azerbaijan – Release of Ms. Ismayilova (May 25, 2016)

◢  Burundi – Consultations on the inter-Burundi dialogue in Arusha (May 21-24, 2016)

◢  Cameroon – Death of the singer Anne-Marie Nzié (May 25, 2016)

◢  Economic diplomacy – Letter of intent for the construction of three ships by STX (May 26, 2016)

 
Azerbaijan – Release of Ms. Ismayilova (May 25, 2016)

France was very pleased to learn of the release of journalist Khadija Ismayilova, following the decision by Azerbaijan's Supreme Court to reduce the jail term she received on September 1, and to suspend her sentence. This latest move comes after the release of Leyla and Arif Yunus on April 19.

France calls for new progress in strengthening the rule of law in Azerbaijan.



Burundi – Consultations on the inter-Burundi dialogue in Arusha (May 21-24, 2016)

France hails the consultations held on May 21-24 by the regional mediation body in Arusha, Tanzania. They represent a first step in support of the inter-Burundi dialogue, the only possible response to the crisis.

We reiterate our support for the facilitator, former President Benjamin Mkapa, and applaud his determination to see the inter-Burundi dialogue succeed, under the terms of the Arusha agreement. We call on all Burundian stakeholders, particularly those who were not present at this first session, to commit themselves constructively and without reservations to this end. We renew our call to all the Burundian parties to eschew violence.

France is committed—particularly within the UN Security Council—to a political solution and a strengthened UN presence on the ground, in line with the secretary-general's proposals for the deployment of a police force.



Cameroon – Death of the singer Anne-Marie Nzié (May 25, 2016)

France pays tribute to the memory of the great Cameroonian artist Anne-Marie Nzié, who passed away in Yaoundé during the night of May 24.

Throughout her career, which was punctuated by collaborations with figures from French chanson, Cameroon's "Golden Voice" celebrated her country's culture and raised the profile of the French language. She leaves her admirers around the world with a rich and fertile musical heritage.

We offer our condolences to her loved ones and share in the grief of the Cameroonian people.



Economic diplomacy – Letter of intent for the construction of three ships by STX (May 26, 2016)

After the delivery of the world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, the Saint-Nazaire shipyard has signed a letter of intent with the U.S. cruise operator Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) to build an additional three ships. That will bring the number of cruise ships ordered from Saint-Nazaire to 11.

This latest success will help preserve jobs at the Saint-Nazaire site, after 400 new hires in 2015.

We applaud the success of these shipyards which—as Jean-Marc Ayrault emphasized—are emblematic of France's industrial excellence and attractiveness.



France in the
United States
Embassy of France in Washington, D.C.
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