The UN Security Council and General Assembly will vote on November 9 to renew five of the 15 judges of the International Court of Justice.

Our compatriot Ronny Abraham is standing for a new term of office. As Jean-Yves Le Drian underscored in August during Ambassadors' Week, at a time when the role of the International Court of Justice in resolving international disputes and setting out legal rules is expanding, the re-election of French judge Ronny Abraham is a top priority. The minister for Europe and foreign affairs met with him on October 30 during his visit to New York for the closing of the French presidency of the Security Council.

A government advisor and former director of legal affairs in the Foreign Ministry from 1998 to 2005, serving as legal advisor and representative of France at the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Communities and international arbitration tribunals, Ronny Abraham has regularly represented France in numerous international forums. His election by his peers as president of the International Court of Justice on February 6, 2015, confirmed his unanimous recognition.

The International Court of Justice, which was established by the UN Charter, is the UN's main judicial body. Its mission, in accordance with international law, is to settle the disputes brought before it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions raised by the UN bodies and specialized institutions. Its mission is therefore central to the peaceful resolution of disputes, a principle enshrined in the UN Charter. Its decisions are binding on the states that bring disputes before it.

Since its first inaugural session on April 18, 1946, the International Court of Justice has issued 126 rulings on a wide variety of issues (land borders, maritime delimitations, territorial sovereignty, none-use of force, violations of international humanitarian law, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, diplomatic relations and economic rights). It has also issued 27 advisory opinions on particularly sensitive issues: compliance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence made by Kosovo, legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the Palestinian Territories, the territorial status of Western Sahara and South West Africa (Namibia), legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, and the admission of states to the UN.

Kosovo – Meeting between Nathalie Loiseau and Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli (Paris - November 8, 2017)

On November 8, European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau hosted First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo Behgjet Pacolli.

They discussed expanding our bilateral relations, particularly on the political and economic fronts.

Ms. Loiseau invited Kosovo's authorities to continue their implementation of political, economic, and security reforms, and underscored the need to fully abide by the criteria established for the purpose of a rapprochement with the European Union.

The ministers in particular reiterated the importance of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade facilitated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. They reviewed regional cooperation among the countries of the Western Balkans and the activities of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office.

EU – Nathalie Loiseau to visit Nantes (November 9, 2017)

European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau will be in Nantes on November 9 to meet with supporters of projects representing the contributions of associations—key partners for the government—to European policies.

Ms. Loiseau will speak with representatives of Alliance Europa, an umbrella organization at the University of Nantes that brings together institutions of higher learning with local governments and associations. It will present an innovative project on societal innovation (the "Fabrique des idées européennes" or "European Idea Factory").

She will also meet with representatives of the future "Pôle Europe," which aims to boost the visibility of associations in Nantes involved in European issues. She will join high school seniors from the Lycée Nelson Mandela in an activity hosted by the Graine d'Europe association on European citizenship, and she will visit the studios of Euradio Nantes, a local radio station devoted to European news.

Lebanon

Saudi Arabia is accusing Lebanon of declaring war against it. In this situation, does France still support the Lebanese government?

France stands with Lebanon and reaffirms its strong commitment to that country's unity, sovereignty, and stability.

It believes that the smooth functioning of institutions is an important condition.

This is the message it is sending to all the Lebanese parties and the international community.

Saudi Arabia

What does France think of the wave of arrests in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is an important partner of France in the Middle East.

We are paying close attention to current events in this country.

Iran

Yesterday, the United States accused Iran of having violated two UN Security Council resolutions. It is calling for a response. Does France agree with this assessment and does it want the Security Council to take action?

France is closely monitoring the regional situation in the Middle East.

We are taking these American indications seriously and attach the utmost importance to Iran's compliance with all of its international obligations, notably the prohibitions on the transfer of arms laid out in UNSCR 2216 and UNSCR 2231.

Climate

Syria stated its intention to join the Paris Climate Agreement. What is your reaction, and do you intend to invite a Syrian government representative to the December 12 summit in Paris?

Adopted on December 12, 2015, at the COP21, the Paris Agreement aims to limit global rises in temperature to less than 2°C, to strengthen our ability to adapt to climate change, and to direct financial flows to economic activities with low greenhouse gas emissions. This goal will be achieved only if there is universal awareness on the part of all international actors. 170 parties have now ratified the agreement, and we hope this momentum will continue.

The Paris summit on December 12 will bring together key actors from the finance and climate communities. Syria has not been invited.