I warmly congratulate Jovenel Moise, who has just been confirmed as winner of the Haitian presidential election following a democratic election process.

I especially commend the work of the Provisional Electoral Council.

I hope that these final results will enable Haiti to resolve the institutional crisis and to fully focus on the challenges facing its people in their daily lives.

As I indicated last month during my visit to Port-au-Prince and Jérémie, Haiti can count on France's support in this new phase, allowing us to work together to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples.

Iraq – Release of journalist Afrah Shawqi (January 3, 2017)

France welcomes the announcement by the Iraqi authorities of the release of journalist Afrah Shawqi on January 3.

We reaffirm our attachment to the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression everywhere.

Syria – Breakdown of the truce

What is your response to the bombing in Wadi Barada?

France condemns the continued offensive by the pro-regime forces in several parts of the country, notably in Wadi Barada, near Damascus. The cessation of hostilities, which came into effect on December 30, must be upheld.

Indeed, this cessation of hostilities is needed in order to allow full, free and unimpeded humanitarian access to the populations in need and the resumption of a credible negotiation process.

France reaffirms that the only way to put an end to the Syrian conflict is through a political solution based on the Geneva Communiqué. This was reaffirmed by Resolution 2336, which was unanimously adopted by the members of the Security Council.