France welcomes the adoption on January 4 of a statement by the president of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This statement, which was unanimously adopted on France's proposal, reflects the international community's unity in support of the political agreement signed on December 31, thanks to the mediation efforts of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO).

The Security Council stresses the expectations of the partners with respect to swiftly implementing the agreement and resolving the pending issues. The elections should be held by the end of 2017 at the latest. The international community is of course ready to support all efforts to ensure the success of the ongoing process.

Central African Republic – Attack against peacekeepers

France utterly condemns the attack against a convoy of peacekeepers serving with MINUSCA (UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic), which killed two Moroccan soldiers and also injured other people on January 3.

We extend our wholehearted condolences to the victims' families, the Moroccan government and MINUSCA and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

This tragic news reaffirms Morocco's constant and valuable commitment to stabilization and peacekeeping operations in Africa and throughout the world.

France, which reaffirms that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, calls on the authorities of the Central African Republic to do everything possible to identify the perpetrators of this attack and bring them to justice. France reaffirms its full support for the work of MINUSCA, in support of the authorities of the Central African Republic, to protect the civilian populations and promote peace in CAR.

Burma/Myanmar – Situation of the Rohingya minority in Rakhine state

France reiterates its deep concern over the unacceptable violence perpetrated against those belonging to the Rohingya minority in Burma and calls for an end to that violence.

We emphasize that it is the Burmese authorities' responsibility to protect civilian populations.

It is vital to fully investigate that violence in the most transparent, impartial way, and for those engaging in atrocities to stand trial.

The authorities must do everything necessary to ensure that all those in need in northern Rakhine state receive humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible. France, working with its European partners and within the UN, will see to it.

Burundi – Banning of Iteka human rights league (January 3, 2017)

France deplores the Burundian authorities' decision to remove Ligue Iteka, the country's oldest human rights organization, from the list of associations authorized to work in the country.

France reiterates its commitment to the freedoms of opinion and expression and reaffirms its support for the work of human rights organizations worldwide.

China – Ivory trade ban

France welcomes China's announcement that it will ban all ivory trade and processing activities by the end of 2017.

We reiterate our commitment to the fight against poaching and the illegal trade in wild species, and particularly to the fight against the elephant ivory trade, which was strengthened by the biodiversity law adopted in August 2016.

France calls on all Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to ban all trading in elephant ivory.