Formation of the Syrian National Council
Israel – Fire in the Tuba Zangariya Mosque
Yemen
Kenya
Cyprus
Formation of the Syrian National Council
The Syrian opposition took a decisive step on 2 October with the announcement
of its unification within the Syrian Nation Council.
It is due to the unity of the opposition, and the creation of a structure
representing this opposition, that the Syrian people will move forward towards
the establishment of a democratic State, one respecting all its citizens.
France is calling once more on the Syrian government, which is endeavouring to
split the communities and is continuing its brutal repression, to respect the
political views expressed by the Syrian people calling for reforms and
democracy.
Israel – Fire in the Tuba Zangariya Mosque
France forcefully condemns the attack made on the mosque in the village of Tuba
Zangariya in the north of Israel.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahou, has strongly condemned this
act.
All measures must be taken to prevent any repetition of such criminal
aggression, which must not be left unpunished
Yemen
On 24 September, the day following the return of President Saleh, the United
Nations Security Council expressed its views on the situation in Yemen,
underlining the urgency of the situation and the growing concern of the
international community faced with the attitude of the Yemeni authorities.
France is keeping watch to ensure that the Security Council continues to
monitor the situation attentively, and will speak up again should there be any
increase in the violence in Yemen.
Violence must cease, and it is important for President Saleh to meet his
responsibilities and initiate transition without delay, in the interest of the
Yemeni people. We call on all parties concerned to encourage an agreement
along these lines.
The positions adopted by the regional players demonstrate the urgency of
implementing the GCC plan.
Kenya
We were informed on the morning of 1st of the kidnapping of our compatriot
Marie Dedieu by Somali pirates, in the Lamu archipelago on the Northern part of
the Kenyan coast.
We immediately contacted the Kenyan authorities, who granted us their fullest
co-operation, and attempted to prevent this kidnapping. We are fully mobilised
to obtain the release of the of our compatriot.
It has now been established that our compatriot has been moved to the Somali
coast by her kidnappers.
We are in close contact with the Kenyan government, and are seeking accurate
information concerning the location and state of health of our compatriot. We
are doing everything to obtain her rapid release.
Cyprus
Can you give us your opinion on litigation concerning gas prospecting rights
in the maritime zones of the Mediterranean which involves a member of the
European Union, Cyprus, but also Turkey, Israel and Lebanon, a friend of
France.
France shares the position set out, on 27 September last, by the European
Commissioner, Stefan Füle, on this subject: the Member States have the
sovereign right to sign bilateral agreements with third-party countries, in
line with Community acquis of the European Union and international law,
including in particular the international convention on maritime law.
Within the framework of international law, France, in common with the European
Union, only recognises Republic of Cyprus.
Differences can only be settled by discussion. We disapprove any declaration or
action going against this approach.