The Daily Press Briefing

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


Paris - June 20, 2016
In this issue:

◢  China / Death of Ambassador Wu Jianmin – Jean-Marc Ayrault's statement (Paris - June 18, 2016)

◢  Consular network – Speech by Jean-Marc Ayrault at consular meetings (June 21, 2016)

◢  10th anniversary of UNITAID – Speech by Jean-Marc Ayrault (Paris - June 23, 2016)

◢  European Union / Space – Exhibition inaugurated by Harlem Désir (Paris - June 20, 2016)

◢  Development – National Council for Development and International Solidarity (June 20, 2016)

◢  UN / EU – World Refugee Day (June 20, 2016)

◢  Central African Republic – Attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières convoy (June 18, 2016)

◢  Morocco – 10th edition of Ramadan Nights (June 15-26)

◢  Afghanistan – Attack in Kabul (June 20, 2016)

◢  Iran

 
China / Death of Ambassador Wu Jianmin – Jean-Marc Ayrault's statement (Paris - June 18, 2016)

I want to convey the French authorities' sorrow following the accidental death of Ambassador Wu Jianmin.

China's ambassador to France for five years, from 1998 to 2003, and an expert on France, he never stopped working to expand French-Chinese relations.

Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.



Consular network – Speech by Jean-Marc Ayrault at consular meetings (June 21, 2016)

On June 21, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault will address the consuls and consular staff gathered for the second edition of the meetings known as the "Journées du réseau consulaire."

The minister will review the status of projects aimed at providing better support for French citizens who travel or move abroad, and at streamlining consular services. His speech will be open to the press.

Simplification, digitization, and better communication with the public are central to the reforms of the consular administration and its relationship with our compatriots. They have been implemented in 217 consular offices, consulates and consulates-general in more than 160 countries. These reforms include the online registration of French nationals living outside France, launched on June 15, and projects such as the secure delivery of passports, the digitization of civil registration procedures, and improved information for visa applicants (France Visas).

On June 20, a round table discussion at the Quai d'Orsay, in partnership with TV5Monde, will give the public an opportunity to meet three of our consuls and gain a better understanding of how French consulates operate: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-aux-citoyens/.



10th anniversary of UNITAID – Speech by Jean-Marc Ayrault (Paris - June 23, 2016)

On June 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault will address the executive board of UNITAID for the organization's 10th anniversary. This meeting will be held on an exceptional basis on June 22-23 in Paris, as France is its top donor country. Also in attendance will be André Vallini, minister of state for development and Francophonie.

Established in 2006 by Brazil, Chile, France, Norway, and the United Kingdom to expedite the availability of medicines and diagnostic products in the poorest countries, UNITAID proved the effectiveness of innovative development financing. Internationally, it plays a key role in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

On June 21 at 11 a.m., Philippe Douste-Blazy, chair of UNITAID's executive board, Celso Amorim, Brazil's former foreign minister, and Lelio Marmora, the organization's executive director, will host a press conference showcasing UNITAID's innovations over the past 10 years.

For more information on UNITAID, go to http://unitaid.org.



European Union / Space – Exhibition inaugurated by Harlem Désir (Paris - June 20, 2016)

On June 20, Minister of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir will inaugurate European Space Expo—a traveling European exhibition—on the esplanade of Paris's Montparnasse train station. Running through June 29, it has been presented in 30 European cities, giving more than 950,000 visitors an opportunity to discover the major challenges of European space programs.

This interactive exhibition illustrates how such programs contribute to the daily lives of EU citizens, particularly in the areas of satellite navigation and earth observation.

These programs help protect the environment, monitor climate upheavals, improve agricultural practices, manage emergency situations linked to natural disasters and industrial accidents, provide backing for humanitarian aid, and boost the security of European citizens.



Development – National Council for Development and International Solidarity (June 20, 2016)

On June 20, Minister of State for Development and Francophonie André Vallini will chair the 7th session of the National Council for Development and International Solidarity at the Quai d'Orsay, where government and civil society representatives will engage in an in-depth dialogue on these issues.

Mr. Vallini will underscore the importance of this dialogue and the need for a joint mobilization of efforts to implement the commitments of the first World Humanitarian Summit held in Istanbul this past May. He will also stress the importance of education.

Discussions will focus on three areas: the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, preparations for an interministerial committee on international cooperation and development in the fall, and the evolution of our development assistance system.



UN / EU – World Refugee Day (June 20, 2016)

On World Refugee Day, France reaffirms its commitment to refugees and to the organizations that help them. It particularly renews its support for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR), whose work is more crucial than ever, and applauds the remarkable commitment of its staff throughout the world, and the NGOs who contribute to its work.

According to the HCR's report, the number of uprooted people hit a sad new record again this year: 65.3 million people. Of that number, 21.3 million are refugees, the largest number since the early 1990. Asylum requests also hit a new record in Europe, with 1.2 million new applications filed in 2015.

The international community must resolutely commit to finding a comprehensive solution to this crisis, in a spirit of humanity, solidarity, and responsibility, and in respect for international and European law, and particularly the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees.

It must also pledge to resolve, through sustainable political solutions, the conflicts and violence that displaced persons are fleeing. France is working with its partners to this end, both nationally and within the UN Security Council.



Central African Republic – Attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières convoy (June 18, 2016)

France condemns the attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières humanitarian convoy on June 18 in the Kouki region of northern Central African Republic, which killed one of the organization's employees.

We offer our condolences to the victim's family, and we express our deep solidarity with Médecins Sans Frontières personnel, who are doing an extraordinary job.

France stresses the need to protect humanitarian workers in all circumstances, so that they may carry out their missions. Attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable.



Morocco – 10th edition of Ramadan Nights (June 15-26)

The 10th edition of Ramadan Nights runs from June 15 through 26 in Morocco and features such artists as Titi Robin and Mehdi Nassouli, Boussou Ganga, Smadj and Sofiane Saidi.

These concerts highlight the vitality of Moroccan music, which ranges from traditional Arabic melodies to contemporary reinterpretations. An ambitious program spans 11 cities: Casablanca, Rabat, El Jadida, Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir, Kenitra, Tangier, Tétouan, and Meknes.

This event is part of the France-Morocco cultural season hosted by the Institut Français in Morocco. Some 20 major events are slated for 2016, giving rise to 335 days of activities, 200 performance days, 40 films and 400 screenings, 300 days of exhibits, and 60 lectures.



Afghanistan – Attack in Kabul (June 20, 2016)

France condemns this morning's attack in Kabul on Nepalese employees providing security to the Canadian Embassy. According to initial reports, 14 were killed and 9 injured.

We offer our condolences to the families of the victims.

France assures the authorities of Nepal, Canada and Afghanistan of its support in the fight against terrorism.



Iran

Will Mr. Ayrault meet with Mr. Zarif, his Iranian counterpart, during the latter's visit to Paris?

The minister will receive Mr. Zarif on June 22. Tomorrow we will present the topics to be discussed.


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