The Daily Press Briefing

Statements made by
the Ministry for Europe
and Foreign Affairs
Spokesperson


Paris - January 11, 2018
In this issue:

◢  Israel/Palestinian Territories – Decisions regarding the construction of homes in the settlements (January 10, 2018)

◢  Colombia – Resumption of attacks by ELN rebels

◢  Climate

 
Israel/Palestinian Territories – Decisions regarding the construction of homes in the settlements (January 10, 2018)

France condemns the decisions made by the Israeli authorities to allow the construction of more than 1,100 homes in 20 different settlements in the West Bank, and in particular the construction of 7 structures—partially on private Palestinian land—in Netiv Ha'avot, in contravention of the Supreme Court ruling which ordered its evacuation by March 2018.

Settlement activity is contrary to international law, as reaffirmed by UNSCR 2334. It undermines the search for just and lasting peace and jeopardizes the two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. It also contributes to fueling tensions on the ground.

France's priority is to work to preserve the two-state solution and to help bring about a return to negotiations. In this context, as indicated by President Macron on December 22, France calls for an end to settlement activity in order to maintain a credible political horizon.



Colombia – Resumption of attacks by ELN rebels

France condemns the resumption of attacks by ELN rebels, just a few hours after the ceasefire ended; the ceasefire had been in effect since October 1 and had led to an improvement in the humanitarian situation in several areas of the country.

France calls on the parties to resume the negotiations as swiftly as possible in order to agree on a new ceasefire and to make progress toward a peace agreement.

It will pursue its commitment to the peace process in Colombia, both at the bilateral level, notably through the work of the French Development Agency, and within the framework of EU and UN initiatives.



Climate

The American president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States could "in theory" rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement. How do you view this idea? Do you see a way for the United States to rejoin the climate agreement?

As President Macron said, "the door isn't closed." We want to continue the dialogue with the United States, a key partner that can play a decisive role in protecting the environment and combatting climate change.

As it reaffirmed at the One Planet Summit on December 12, France remains fully committed to the fight against climate change and will continue to support all the groupings that came out of the COP 21.


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