Official speeches and statements - May 27, 2022

1. Ukraine - European solidarity with Ukraine: new convoy of IT equipment - Press release issued by the Government (Paris - May 25, 2022)

As holder of the presidency of the Council of the European Union, France has coordinated the provision of IT equipment to the Ukrainian authorities. More than 12,000 products were transported to Poland by road, before being handed to Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation.

The shipment was made at the request of the Ukrainian authorities, with the support of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Crisis and Support Centre, the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, and many French companies: the Ateliers du Bocage, Allianz Technology, AVM GmbH, Backmarket, Bosch France, Bouygues Telecom, Capgemini, Cisco, ComputaCenter, CONET Technologies Holding GmbH, ControlWare GmbH, Doro, Engineering ITS GmbH, HP France, i.safe MOBILE GmbH, Identity TM GmbH, IT-Dienstleistungszentrum Berlin, onepoint, Oracle, OVHcloud, Qualcomm Inc., SCC France, SIRRMIET, Sony Europe, Vitero GmbH and Zebra Technologies Germany GmbH.

The delivery includes 4G routers, IP phones, fixed and mobile computers, servers and network and Wifi equipment. An initial delivery of this kind was made in March. These operations, aimed at ensuring the continuity of public action and of communications in the country, testify to France and Europe’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

All those who so wish can donate equipment or make financial contributions to support this effort (contact: itukraine@numerique.gouv.fr).

2. Ukraine - Conversation between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and her counterpart - Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris - May 25, 2022)

Ms. Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on the telephone to her Ukrainian counterpart, Mr. Dmytro Kuleba.

This first discussion illustrates their shared desire to build a relationship of trust.

The Minister reiterated France’s full determination, building on the conversation between the French and Ukrainian presidents on May 17, to increase our support to Ukraine in the face of the Russian aggression, at every level, particularly in terms of supplying defense equipment.

They also spoke of the need to unblock cereal and oil seed exports from Ukraine, as the blockade imposed by Russia is contributing to the global food crisis.

3. China - Conversation between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and her counterpart - Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (Paris - May 25, 2022)

Ms. Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on the telephone today to the Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Wang Yi.

Building on the French President’s recent discussions with President Xi, the two ministers emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship. The Minister stressed her determination to implement the Franco-Chinese partnership by means of a high-quality, close and demanding dialogue on all issues.

The Minister reiterated France’s determination to support Ukraine in the face of the war of aggression Russia has been waging for the past three months, in violation of the basic principles of international law. The two ministers agreed it was urgent for Russia to return to compliance with international law and to a negotiated solution to the conflict. They reaffirmed their commitment to respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They expressed their support for the international community’s efforts in terms of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and of addressing the consequences of the Russian aggression at every level.

In the context of the publication of new documents referring to very serious human rights violations in Xinjiang and of the visit being paid by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Minister called for full transparency on the situation and for the High Commissioner to be ensured genuine, unfettered access, including to allow her to talk to members of civil society and visit places of her choice, including, for example, detention facilities. For his part, Mr. Wang welcomed the visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

As regards the French community in China, the Minister stressed the need in particular to authorize access to our Consulate General in Shanghai, especially for members of the public who have to complete administrative formalities before returning to France. She also talked about the frequency of air links with China.

4. United Nations - DPRK - Explanation of vote by Mr. Nicolas de Rivière, permanent representative of France to the United Nations, to the Security Council (New York - May 26, 2022)

[translation from French]

Madam President,

North Korea fired three more ballistic missiles on May 24 and there are strong indications that another nuclear test is on the way. The pace and severity of North Korea’s provocations since the beginning of the year are unprecedented.

In the face of such escalation, we have spared no effort to ensure that this Council speaks with one voice. We cannot allow North Korea to pursue the development of its nuclear and ballistic programs with impunity, and to violate all the resolutions adopted unanimously by this Council. France is convinced that the sanctions regime must be strengthened and updated in new areas. That was the purpose of the draft resolution presented today, which we supported without hesitation.

Today, France deeply regrets the result of this vote, which marks the division of the Council. Opposing its veto amounts to protecting the North Korean regime and giving it a blank check to proliferate even further. Today, our Council has not been up to the challenge of this major proliferation crisis.

France will continue its efforts to ensure that the Council is able to act and that it regains the unity it has had on this issue since the adoption of resolution 1718, more than 15 years ago. The parallel relaunch of a genuine political process is more urgent than ever. Continuing to do nothing would pose a major risk to regional stability and to the international non-proliferation architecture.

Thank you.

5. United Nations - UNSMIL - Statement by Mr. Nicolas de Rivière, permanent representative of France to the United Nations, to the Security Council (New York - May 26, 2022)

[translation from French]

Madam President,

I thank the Deputy Secretary-General and the Indian Chair of the Sanctions Committee for their briefings. I welcome the presence of the Libyan Permanent Representative.

The status quo is not an option for Libya and there is an urgent need to resolve the executive power crisis.

France calls on the Libyan actors to engage in a genuine dialogue to reach a viable political solution without delay. The emergence of a unified, inclusive government capable of governing throughout the country is essential to organize and secure presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible, throughout Libya, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s calls, the resolutions of this Council and above all the expectations of the Libyan people. The postponement of the elections six months ago has opened a period of uncertainty, which runs counter to our efforts to restore a united, stable and sovereign Libya.

France fully supports the UN mediation on the constitutional basis. A dialogue between all Libyan parties, including but not limited to the two chambers, is necessary to define a new roadmap for the holding of elections. Beyond progress on the constitutional basis, this dialogue is useful to ease tensions. We therefore encourage the United Nations to continue its efforts in this direction.

Security gains must also be preserved from political stagnation.

France calls on all Libyan actors to refrain from any violence, incitement to hatred or threats, and to respect the ceasefire. To this end, it will continue to support the Libyan joint military committee. The Committee has demonstrated its determination to implement all the provisions of the ceasefire agreement, including the gradual and progressive withdrawal of all mercenaries, foreign fighters and foreign forces, as detailed in its Action Plan. This is essential for the recovery of Libyan sovereignty, as is a disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. France is ready to work on this, with the Libyans, the regional countries and concerned regional organisations.

It is also the responsibility of all Member States to ensure that the arms embargo is respected. The IRINI operation is a unique contribution to the implementation of the embargo. France thanks Libya for its cooperation and calls on the Member States of this Council to facilitate the renewal of the authorizations that allow IRINI to operate before June 3.

France remains concerned about the continuing oil blockade. It is following with interest the recommendations aimed at freezing oil revenues and setting up a transparent and equitable management mechanism for these revenues. This mechanism should be accepted by all Libyan actors concerned and, if necessary, allow the blockade of wells to be lifted quickly. It also recalls the efforts made by the Special advisor for a real unification of the Libyan Central Bank, which is still not a reality.

France remains concerned about the increase in violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly against refugees, migrants and human rights defenders, especially women. It recalls the importance of extending the mandate of the fact-finding mission in June and of all parties cooperating with the International Criminal Court. The fight against impunity is an indispensable element in guaranteeing lasting peace.

Madam President,

The priority of this Council today must be to preserve the political and security gains made in recent years and to relaunch, without further delay, an electoral process that is essential for the sustainable stabilization of Libya. I call on all members of this Council to rise to the challenges facing the peace and security of Libya and the region.

I thank you.

6. United Nations - Middle East - Statement by Ms. Sheraz Gasri, political coordinator of France at the United Nations, at the Security Council (New York - May 26, 2022)

[translation from French]

Thank you very much, Madam President,

I too would like to thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his statement, as well as Robi Damelin and Daniel Munayer for their testimonies and for their courageous efforts for peace.

I would like to stress three points.

First, France strongly condemns the terrorist attacks that have hit Israel in recent weeks. We will never compromise with Israel’s security.

Secondly, France is concerned about the continuing deterioration of the situation in the Palestinian territories. The multiplication of facts on the ground is making the prospect of a two-state solution ever more remote whereas it remains the only solution capable of bringing about a just and lasting peace.

Together with our European partners, we have expressed our deep concerns regarding the decision of the Israeli authorities to advance plans for the construction of more than 4,000 housing units in many West Bank settlements. We called on them to reverse this decision, which is a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace. We reiterate this call.

The recent Israeli Supreme Court decision paves the way for the eviction of more than 1,000 Palestinians in Massafer Yatta, including more than 500 children. This would be the largest forced population transfer since 1967 if these orders were implemented. We therefore call on Israel not to proceed with the demolitions and evictions of Palestinians, including in Massafer Yatta. This would be contrary to international humanitarian law, including the IV Geneva Convention.

Thirdly and finally, France remains concerned about the significant risk of escalation.

This Security Council has strongly condemned the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh while she was covering an operation by Israeli security forces in Jenin. A transparent investigation must be carried out as soon as possible, and those responsible must be brought to justice. We also reiterate our dismay at the unacceptable violence perpetrated during her funeral at St Joseph’s Hospital in Jerusalem, which is under French protection.

We also call for the utmost restraint in Jerusalem on the occasion of the flag march this Sunday. A revision of the itinerary of the march could be appropriate to reduce tensions.

It is also necessary to preserve the historical status quo at the Holy Places. In this regard, we recall Jordan’s special role.

Madam President,

There is an urgent need to recreate a political horizon for the relaunch of negotiations on the basis of agreed parameters, Council resolutions and international law. This Council obviously has a role to play. It must encourage the parties to return to the path of dialogue. In this regard, we welcome the constructive discussions between the parties at the last meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. It is important that these discussions lead to tangible results and political momentum. France remains determined to work towards this revival. We will continue to support the Palestinian people, UNRWA, and Palestinian civil society in the face of the many challenges they still face.

Thank you very much.