I was shocked to learn of the heavy toll exacted by the double attacks carried out this morning in Kabul, which killed 25 people and injured about 40 others.

France condemns this heinous act. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims' families as well as to the Afghan authorities and people.

With seven journalists killed in this attack, the press is again paying a heavy price.

One of those killed, photographer Shah Marai, had worked for AFP for many years. At this difficult time, I would like to assure AFP and its teams all over the world of our wholehearted solidarity.

I would like to pay a special tribute to all journalists who often risk their lives to continue working every day under difficult conditions in order to bring us information.

Morocco / Western Sahara – Adoption of UNSCR 2424 renewing MINURSO's mandate (New York - April 27, 2018)

France welcomes the adoption by the UN Security Council on April 27 of resolution 2414 renewing MINURSO's mandate.

France lends its full support to this mission, which plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

UNSCR 2414 calls for the implementation of a just and lasting solution that has been mutually agreed upon by all parties. France will continue to support the efforts to that end of Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General Horst Köhler.

Myanmar/Burma – Appointment of Christine Schraner Burgener as Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General (April 26, 2018)

France welcomes the appointment on April 26 of Christine Schraner Burgener as Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Burma.

We wish her every success and assure her of our support in her new role.

Christine Schraner Burgener has been the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Germany since 2015 and has considerable diplomatic experience, notably in Asia. She led the mediation efforts following the events of 2010 in Thailand, where she was ambassador.

France renews its call for the cessation of violence against the civilian populations and calls on all Burmese security forces to ensure their protection and guarantee the restoration of safe and unrestricted humanitarian access. A process to establish the conditions necessary for the dignified, voluntary, safe and lasting return of the Rohingya refugees to Burma must be initiated immediately.

We reaffirm our support for UN efforts, including the mission currently being carried out in Bangladesh and Burma by the Security Council, as well as the work of the humanitarian organizations on the ground. A lasting political solution must be found in order to put an end to the violence and the humanitarian crisis.