Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will take part in the video conference of EU foreign affairs ministers on May 15.

This meeting will be devoted to the political and security consequences of the current health crisis in the EU's southern neighborhood, and more broadly in the Middle East. During the meeting, the ministers will discuss the ongoing regional crises, notably in Libya, where renewed efforts to implement the Berlin statement are needed, in Syria, in Yemen and in Iraq, in order to stress the importance of the coalition's efforts, in light of the resurgence of Daesh's terrorist activities, while respecting the country's sovereignty.

The discussions will notably focus on the Middle East peace process, in the context of the inauguration of the new Israeli government. The EU must reaffirm its attachment to the two-state solution within the framework of the internationally agreed parameters for resolving the conflict, and warn against any prospect of the partial annexation of the occupied territories, which would undermine efforts to find a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Lastly, in addition to the regular review of the work being carried out at the European level in the context of the fight against Covid-19, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the ministers will have an opportunity to discuss other current international issues, notably the success of the summit between the EU and the Western Balkans countries held via video conference on May 6; the necessary international support for the transition in Sudan; and the EU's attachment to respect for international law in the in the eastern Mediterranean.

Iran

What is your response to the U.S. threat to trigger a restoration of all UN sanctions against Iran if the UN Security Council doesn't extend the arms embargo against Tehran?

We refer you to our press briefing of April 29. Furthermore, we draw all necessary conclusions, both legally and politically, from the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPoA in May 2018.

Israel – Palestinian Territories

Do you believe the EU should considering threatening Israel with a firm response if it goes ahead with the de facto annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank?

The annexation of part of the Occupied Territories would be contrary to international law and would undermine the internationally agreed upon parameters of a peace agreement in the Middle East.

Only negotiations aimed at establishing two states living in peace and security along secure, recognized borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, are likely to lead to a just and lasting peace in the region.

Together with the European Union, France stands ready to support any effort conducted on this basis, respecting international law and coming about through negotiations between the parties. It is a subject on which we work closely with our European partners, as well as our Arab partners.