LATEST NEWS AND STATEMENTS

• Afghanistan – Death of 5 international coalition personnel (08.04.13)

  We were deeply shocked to learn of the death of 5 international coalition personnel working in Afghanistan on Saturday, April 6, during an attack in Zabul Province.

• Afghanistan – Taliban attacks on a court in the town of Farah (03.04.13)

  The recurring attacks against the Afghan state, its representatives and its civilian population reaffirm the need to combat the scourge of terrorism.

• Afghanistan - Inter-Afghan closed academic seminar (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 13.12.12)

  This conference is not a negotiating forum but a framework for dialogue. Indeed, France believes that the Afghans are solely responsible for conducting the reconciliation process, with the support of the UN, following a mandate given by the Security Council.

• Afghanistan – Death penalty (22.11.12)

  France condemns the executions that took place in Afghanistan on 20 and 21 November. The executions came immediately after the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly, by a large majority, of a resolution calling for the establishment of a global moratorium on the death penalty. This adoption confirms the global trend towards the abolition of this cruel and inhuman punishment.

• Afghanistan – Attack (26.10.12)

  France expresses its profound shock following this barbaric act, which killed at least 42 people including 5 children, and extends its condolences to the Afghan people and to the families of the members of the Afghan security forces killed in this attack. It reaffirms its wholehearted solidarity with the Afghan authorities in the fight against violence.

• Afghanistan – Suicide attack in Nangarhar Province (05.09.12)

  The frequency of suicide attacks against the Afghan civilian population reaffirms the need to fight against the scourge of terrorism. In this respect, France reaffirms its wholehearted solidarity with the Afghan authorities and its determination to remain engaged alongside them in order to work toward stabilizing Afghanistan.

• Public execution of a woman in Afghanistan (11.07.12)

  France strongly condemns the public execution of a woman for adultery in Parwan province in Afghanistan. As the Afghan authorities have promised, full light must be shed on this crime, the perpetrators of which must be identified and brought to justice.

• Participation of the minister delegate for development in the Kabul Conference on Regional Security and Cooperation in the "Heart of Asia" (14.06.12)

  This conference is part of a process launched at the Istanbul conference on November 2, 2011, during which Afghanistan and the countries of the region pledged to take confidence-building measures in all areas likely to foster the stability and prosperity of this region, known as the “heart of Asia,” with the support of France and other members of the international community present at the launch of the Istanbul Process.

• Afghanistan – Announcement of the 3rd phase of the transition (14.05.12)

  France congratulates President Karzai and the Afghan government on these decisions which build on the Afghan president’s visit in January when the treaty of friendship and cooperation between our two countries was signed. These decisions also reflect the progress observed on the ground through the concerted action of the ISAF forces and the Afghan security forces.

• Qatar –Taliban representation (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 05.01.12)

  The Afghan government and all components of Afghan society seeking a peace agreement have wanted, for a long time now, to have a clearly identified Taliban interlocutor. The opening of the Taliban office in Qatar, if it is confirmed, could respond to this expectation, and constitute a step forward in the political process that should result in free presidential elections in 2014. President Karzai has agreed to the negotiations which will lead to the creation of this office.

• Azerbaijan - Pardon granted to M.Safarov (03.09.12)

  France expresses her concern following the announcement of the pardon granted to M. Safarov by the Azerbaijani authorities on Friday, 31 August. In Hungary in 2006 the Hungarian courts sentenced him to life imprisonment for the unspeakable murder of an Armenian officer in Budapest in 2004.

• Violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan (06.06.12)

  The parties must be fully committed to implementing a peaceful settlement based on the respect of the principles of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, notably the non-use of force, territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination.

• Death of Mr. Zillur Rahman, President of the Republic of Bangladesh (21.03.13)

  We were saddened to learn of the death yesterday of Mr. Zillur Rahman, President of the Republic of Bangladesh, after having served his country for more than 60 years.

• Bangladesh – Violence following the sentencing to death of Delwar Hossain Sayedee (05.03.13)

  France notes with concern and dismay the violence that took place following the handing down of the sentence to Mr. Sayedee, a leader of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

• Bangladesh - situation of the Grameen Bank (09.08.12)

  The Grameen Bank is internationally renowned for its efforts on behalf of the neediest. France hopes this microfinance institution will be able to continue operating without interference.

• Bangladesh – Ban on several NGOs (03.08.12)

  France regrets the Bangladeshi authorities’ decision to prohibit three nongovernmental organizations (Médecins sans Frontières, Action contre la Faim and Muslim Aid UK) from working with Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazaar district.

• Bangladesh -Myanmar/ Burma – Burmese refugees turned back at the Bangladeshi border (14.06.12)

  France also encourages the Bangladeshi authorities to cooperate with the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The action of the NGO’s which offer humanitarian assistance to the refugees fleeing the violence in Burma must not be impeded.

• Ruling issued by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea on the delimitation of the maritime border between Bangladesh and Myanmar/Burma (15.03.12)

  France welcomes this ruling by the Tribunal, which is the first ruling it has issued in a maritime delimitation case between two States. Such a ruling makes a solid contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as to the respect for international law, to which France is attached.

• Visit by Mr. Laurent Fabius to China (12-13.04.13)

  Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited China from April 12 to 13. He went to Beijing and Shanghai. This visit allowed the minister to meet with the new Chinese authorities who took office in March and to prepare for the visit that President Hollande will make to China in the near future.

• Telephone conversation between Laurent Fabius and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi (18.03.13)

  The minister congratulated his Chinese counterpart on his appointment. He underscored the importance France attaches to the development of French-Chinese relations in all areas. The two ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening French-Chinese partnerships in the civilian nuclear and aerospace sectors, while developing other partnerships. The minister reaffirmed the need to restore balance to and strengthen trade between France and China.

• France - China (Q&A - Excerpt from the daily press briefing - 18.07.12)

  "Following the arrest of Mr. Devillers in Cambodia on June 13, France provided him with the consular protection to which all our fellow citizens held in detention abroad are entitled. Officials from the Embassy of France in Cambodia visited Mr. Devillers every day."

• Visit by Laurent Fabius to Japan and China (07-10.07.12)

  On 9 and 10 July, the Minister will visit China on the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Mr Yang Jiechi, with whom he will discuss the bilateral relationship as a whole and the major international and global issues. He will also meet Mr Dai Bingguo, State Councillor responsible for foreign affairs, Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier, and Mr Li Keqiang, First Vice Premier.

• “Croisements” festival in China (April – June 2012)

  Jointly organized by the Embassy of France to China and the Institut Français, in association with the Alliances françaises de Chine and Unifrance Films, and with the support of its public and private partners (institutions, theaters, businesses), the 2012 festival program will include innovative projects such as contemporary circuses, contemporary dance, and new stage productions.

• India – Attacks in Hyderabad (21.02.13)

  France utterly condemns the attacks that took place in Hyderabad on February 21, 2013, which indiscriminately targeted innocent victims, leaving at least 14 people dead and more than a hundred injured. Our Consul General in Bangalore immediately visited the area in order to express our solidarity with India and to ensure the safety of the French community.

• India – Death of 36 people at the Kumbh Mela (11.02.13)

  We were deeply shocked to learn of the death of 36 people at the Kumbh Mela pilgrimage in Allahabad. In these tragic circumstances which have plunged India into mourning, France would like to extend its condolences to the bereaved and express its solidarity with the Indian authorities and people.

• Meeting between Laurent Fabius and his Indian counterpart, Salman Khurshid (10.01.13)

  Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will today receive Salman Khurshid, India’s Minister of External Affairs. This is the first visit to France by an Indian minister of external affairs since 2001. Mr. Khurshid will be received by President Hollande on January 11.

• Bonjour India - Festival of France (29.11.12)

  Riding the wave of success of the first edition of Bonjour India (2009-2010), the Institut Français en Inde and the French Embassy in India, in association with the Alliance Française India network and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), are all set to unveil the second edition of the festival from January to April 2013.

• India – Ferry disaster off the coast of Assam (02.05.12)

  In the face of this tragedy, France extends its condolences to the bereaved. It shares the pain of the Indian people and government and assures them of its wholehearted solidarity in this ordeal.

• Pakistan - India - Process to normalize trade relations (02.03.12)

  France welcomes this decision, which follows the visit to Islamabad by India’s Commerce Minister, Mr. Anand Sharma. It’s the first step in the plan approved by both governments aimed at standardizing economic relations by granting, in a spirit of reciprocity based on the current situation, the most-favored nation status to India.

• Japan - Execution of three convicted persons (21.02.13)

  France condemns the execution today in Japan of three detainees. These executions contradict the global trend toward the abolition of this inhuman punishment, the deterrent value of which has never been established.

• Japan – Shinzo Abe’s election as Prime Minister (26.12.12)

  France warmly congratulates Shinzo Abe on his election as Prime Minister of Japan and offers him its best wishes for every success in the exercise of his high office.

• Japan – Execution of two detainees (27.09.12)

  France urges Japan to re-establish the de facto moratorium in place in 2011 and to continue the national debate on the future of the death penalty.

• Japan – France’s participation in the peace ceremonies at Hiroshima and Nagasaki (06.08.12)

  France has decided to attend the peace ceremonies in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9. It will be represented there by its ambassador. This is the first time that a French ambassador will take part in this event hosted each year by the mayors of the two cities.

• Japan – Execution of two prisoners (03.08.12)

  France deplores Japan’s execution this morning of two prisoners, Junya Hattori and Kyozo Matsumura.

• Visit by Laurent Fabius to Japan and China (07-10.07.12)

  In Tokyo on 7 and 8 July, he took part in the ministerial conference on Afghanistan, which – 10 years after the Tokyo conference on reconstruction – should enable the international community’s long-term support in the field of civilian cooperation to be reasserted. Indeed, following the transition period in 2014 Afghanistan will enter a decade of transformation towards economic and social development, based on her own resources and the development of her wealth – particularly her mineral wealth – thanks to private investment.

• Mongolia – Abolition of the death penalty (09.01.12)

  The Mongolian Parliament’s decided to abolish the death penalty by ratifying the Second Additional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

• Myanmar/Burma - Human Rights Watch report (22.04.13)

  We have taken note of the Human Rights Watch report, which accuses the Burmese authorities of having carried out a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingyas and reveals a number of disquieting facts. It is up to the Burmese authorities to shed full light on the communal violence that has been taking place in Rakhine State for a year now.

• Burma – Unrest in Meiktila (22.03.13)

  France is concerned by the violence that took place in the town of Meiktila which has resulted in the death of around 20 people. It extends its condolences to the people of Burma and to the bereaved. France urges the parties involved to demonstrate tolerance and restraint, and has confidence in the Burmese government to swiftly restore calm.

• Myanmar/ Burma – Train crash and earthquake (12.11.12)

  France extends its condolences to the Burmese authorities and people following the train crash that took place in the district of Shwebo, in the north of the country, and the tremors that hit the same region to the north of Mandalay.

• Myanmar/ Burma – Situation in Rakhine state (12.11.12)

  We support the Burmese government’s efforts to restore security and to bring those responsible to justice. We also encourage the Burmese government to ensure access by the humanitarian agencies to all those in difficulty in Rakhine state.

• Myanmar/ Burma - abolition of the censorship of media (20.08.12)

  We welcome this progress with respect to information and the freedom of expression, while noting that more work needs to be done in other areas: not all political prisoners have been released, hostilities have not ceased in Kachin State, and the humanitarian situation remains critical with respect to the Rohingyas in Rakhine State.

• Burma/Myanmar – Ethnic violence in Rakhine state (06.08.12)

  There are reports of troubling acts of violence against civilians by the security forces. We urge the Burmese authorities to protect all civilian populations without discrimination and to investigate these possible atrocities.

• Burma/ Myanmar – Release of 46 prisoners (03.07.12)

  France welcomes the release of 46 Burmese prisoners, including 23 prisoners of conscience, and welcomes this new sign of the willingness of the Burmese authorities to promote national reconciliation.

• Myanmar/Burma – Visit to France by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (26-29.06.12)

  On the occasion of this visit, the last stop in her first trip to Europe in nearly 25 years, France will pay tribute to this extraordinary woman’s battle for human rights and will emphasize its active support for the democratic transition process under way in Burma.

• Bangladesh -Myanmar/ Burma – Burmese refugees turned back at the Bangladeshi border (14.06.12)

  France also encourages the Bangladeshi authorities to cooperate with the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The action of the NGO’s which offer humanitarian assistance to the refugees fleeing the violence in Burma must not be impeded.

• Myanmar/ Burma – Lifting of restrictions on Burma’s full participation in the activities of the International Labor Organization (14.06.12)

  France welcomes the decision taken yesterday by the International Labor Conference to lift the restrictions on Burma’s full participation in its activities. These restrictions had been in force since 1999 due to the widespread use of forced labor.

• Nepal – Swearing-in of Khil Raj Regmi as chairman of the Interim Election Council (14.03.13)

  France welcomes the appointment of Khil Raj Regmi as chairman of Nepal’s Interim Election Council, which should constitute an important step toward the normalization of the political situation. France reaffirms its attachment to a transparent, inclusive and consensual electoral process.

• North Korea – Adoption of new sanctions by the UN Security Council (07.03.13)

  France welcomes the unanimous adoption on March 7 by the Security Council of resolution 2094 condemning North Korea for its third nuclear test, carried out on February 2013, in violation of previous resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2087.

• North Korea – Nuclear test (12.02.13)

  We call on North Korea to put an immediate end to its attempts to destabilize the region. It must fully implement without delay UN Security Council resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2087. We again urge it to resume dialogue with a view toward the complete, irreversible and verifiable dismantlement of its nuclear and ballistic program.

• North Korea – Nuclear and ballistic missile programs (23.01.13)

  France reaffirms its condemnation of the launch of a long-range rocket on December 12 by North Korea. It again urges North Korea to immediately comply with its international obligations and to dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner.

• North Korea – Rocket launch (12.12.12)

  France strongly condemns the rocket launch carried out this morning by North Korea, in violation of this country’s international obligations.

• North Korea – Announcement regarding the launch of a rocket (03.12.12)

  We call on North Korea to abandon its plans to launch a rocket and to refrain from any further act that is contrary to its international obligations and likely to increase tensions in the region.

• Pakistan – Elections (11.05.13)

  France welcomes the holding of elections in Pakistan on May 11. They were marked by the strong and courageous mobilization of the voters, who, despite violence on the part of extremist groups, freely expressed the diversity of their opinions. France extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the violence.

• Pakistan – Car bombing at the Jalozai refugee camp (22.03.13)

  France strongly condemns the attack that targeted the Jalozai refugee camp in Pakistan. According to the latest reports, this attack killed 15 people and injured around 40 in this camp that provides shelter to people fleeing the fighting between Pakistani security forces and Taliban forces.

• Pakistan – Attack against the Shia community in Karachi (04.03.13)

  France utterly condemns the attack on 3rd of February in the city of Karachi. France offers its condolences to the victims’ relatives and reiterates its support to the Pakistani people in the fight against terrorism.

• Pakistan – Anti-Shi’ite attack in Quetta (18.02.13)

  France utterly condemns the attack on 16 February in the city of Quetta in Balochistan. According to the latest toll, the attack – which targeted the Shi’ite Hazara community – left more than 80 people dead and some 200 wounded. In these tragic circumstances, France shares the grief of the victims’ loved ones. She reiterates her solidarity with the Pakistani people and stands alongside them in the fight against terrorism.

• Pakistan – Attacks (11.01.13)

  France utterly condemns yesterday’s attacks in the city of Quetta and the Swat Valley in Pakistan, in which, according to a provisional toll, more than 110 people were killed and hundreds wounded.

• Pakistan – Murder of humanitarian workers involved in polio vaccination campaigns (19.12.12)

  France strongly condemns the multiple attacks that took place on December 18 and 19 against humanitarian workers conducting a polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan. The most recent reports indicate that 9 people were killed.

• Pakistan - Attacks (22.11.12)

  We offer our condolences to the bereaved and express our wholehearted solidarity with the Pakistani people in their rejection of terrorism and religious fundamentalism.

• Pakistan – Execution of Muhammad Hussain (15.11.12)

  France condemns the execution in Pakistan of Muhammad Hussain, which puts an end to the moratorium on the death penalty observed by the Pakistani government for 5 years. This decision is a step backward in terms of Pakistan’s progress toward greater respect for human rights.

• Pakistan – Assassination attempt against Malala Yousafzai (10.10.12)

  France condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack in Pakistan on young Malala Yousafzai and two of her classmates as they were returning home from school.

• Fires in Pakistan (12.09.12)

  We were deeply shocked to learn that two fires in Pakistan – in Karachi and in Lahore – have, according to the latest report, resulted in the death of more than 200 people.

• Pakistan – Arrest of a Pakistani girl on blasphemy charges and risk of death penalty (21.08.12)

  France wants to reaffirm that the very existence of the crime of blasphemy infringes upon fundamental freedoms, namely the freedom of religion or belief, as well as the freedom of expression.

• Pakistan - Murders (17.08.12)

  France calls on the Pakistani authorities to pursue their efforts to end the increase in sectarian violence and to combat all forms of extremism.

• Pakistan: murder of Khalil Dale, ICRC humanitarian worker (30.04.12)

  France utterly condemns the barbaric murder of Khalil Dale, a British humanitarian worker from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in the city of Quetta, Pakistan.

• Pakistan – Avalanche on the Siachen Glacier (10.04.12)

  France shares the families’ pain and extends its condolences to all those who lost a loved one in this tragic avalanche.

• Pakistan - India - Process to normalize trade relations (02.03.12)

  France welcomes this decision, which follows the visit to Islamabad by India’s Commerce Minister, Mr. Anand Sharma. It’s the first step in the plan approved by both governments aimed at standardizing economic relations by granting, in a spirit of reciprocity based on the current situation, the most-favored nation status to India.

• Pakistan – Murder of Pakistani journalist Mukarram Khan Aatif (18.01.12)

  France utterly condemns the murder of Pakistani journalist Mukarram Khan Atif on Tuesday, January 17 in a mosque in the town of Shabqadar (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province) while he was attending prayers. Those responsible for this heinous act, for which the Pakistani Taliban is claiming responsibility, must be prosecuted and condemned.

• Pakistan – Attack in the town of Jamrud (10.01.12)

  The attack has left 35 people dead and more than 60 injured in a town known for its opposition to the Taliban’s presence in the region.

• Philippines – Typhoon Bopha (05.12.12)

  We want to express to all the families of the victims and their loved ones our sincere condolences and our heartfelt sympathy in the face of this ordeal.

• Philippines – Peace agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (08.10.12)

  France welcomes the framework agreement reached on October 7 by the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This framework agreement is an important step toward re-establishing lasting peace in the region of Mindanao.

• Visit to France by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra (20-21.07.12)

  Thailand is an important economic partner; it was our 2nd largest ASEAN trade partner in 2010, with a total trade volume of $3,138 million. Thailand is the 3rd largest ASEAN importer of French goods.

• Vietnam – Prison sentences handed down to human rights defenders (11.01.13)

  France condemns the heavy prison sentences handed down on 9 January to 14 human rights defenders by the People’s Court of Nghe An Province in Vietnam. Several similar decisions have been taken by the Vietnamese authorities in recent months.

• Vietnam – Confirmation on appeal of blogger’s six-year prison sentence (22.11.12)

  France strongly deplores the confirmation on appeal of the six-year prison sentence against Mr Dinh Dang Dinh for “propaganda against the state”.

• Vietnam – Prison sentences handed down to musicians and composers (31.10.12)

  France strongly condemns the sentences handed down on October 30 by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court condemning composers and musicians Tran Vu Anh Binh and Vo Minh Tri, charged with disseminating anti-government propaganda because of the content of their songs released on the Internet, to 6 years and 4 years in prison, respectively.

• Prison sentences handed down to bloggers in Vietnam (24.09.12)

  France reaffirms its attachment to the freedom of expression and opinion - including on the Internet - throughout the world.