We have noted with concern the reports of new ballistic missile launches by North Korea today, November 28. France reaffirms its condemnation of these repeated launches which undermine the region's security and stability and constitute a violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

France calls on North Korea to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions, to swiftly engage in good faith in a process to ensure the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its weapons of mass destruction programs and to refrain from any kind of provocation.

World AIDS Day (December 1, 2019)

On the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, France reaffirms its commitment and calls on all actors in the international community—both public and private—to work together to end the pandemic by 2030, in accordance with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The sixth Replenishment Conference of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which took place in Lyon on October 10, 2019, made it possible to achieve the goal of mobilizing $14.02 billion, the largest sum ever raised by an international organization in the health field. France substantially increased its contribution—by 20%. It pledged €1.296 billion for the next three years.

France is continuing its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS:

• as the second-largest donor, historically, to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (more than €4.6 billion since 2002);
• as the leading donor to UNITAID (more than €1.7 billion since 2006, i.e. 60% of total funds since the fund was created)
• through the commitment of its researchers
• as part of its bilateral aid efforts, especially in the areas of technical assistance and support for associations.

Iraq

What is your response following the death of at least 45 demonstrators at the hands of the Iraqi security forces on Thursday in Nasiriyah, Najaf et Baghdad, while the Iranian consulate was attacked and set on fire?

France strongly condemns the excessive and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators in Baghdad and in the towns in the south, notably in Nasiriyah, which left dozens of people dead and many others injured.

France reaffirms its attachment to the right to demonstrate peacefully and calls on all parties to refrain from any act of violence that could jeopardize the democratic future to which the Iraqi people aspire.

France condemns the intimidation and pressure exerted on civil society, especially journalists and human rights defenders, and calls on all actors to initiate without delay an inclusive democratic dialogue.

France continues to support and assist Iraq, its authorities and the Iraqi people at this critical time for the democratic future of the country.