Guinea / End of Ebola epidemic – Statement by Annick Girardin, minister of state for development and Francophonie (December 29, 2015)

France notes with satisfaction the WHO’s statement certifying the end of the Ebola epidemic in Guinea.

I want to express my solidarity to the affected families and congratulate the Guinean authorities and health officials who relentlessly combated this epidemic for more than 18 months.

In an urgent situation, France mobilized to stand alongside Guinea, together with its international partners—the WHO, the UN, but also NGOs whose swift response helped save many lives.

This latest stage is crucial: Guinea must recover economically from this ordeal, rebuild its healthcare system, and obtain instruments that help it respond more effectively in the event of a new epidemic. France will play a major role in this effort, notably through the French Development Agency, Inserm and the IRD, which are monitoring most of the survivors, and the Pasteur Institute.

France is also making health a top priority in its development assistance and playing an active role in current discussions at the UN, the WHO, and the EU on establishing a health crisis response system.

Burundi – Resumption of inter-Burundian dialogue (December 28, 2015)

France welcomes the resumption of the inter-Burundian dialogue on December 28 in Entebbe, under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni.

Like the African Union, whose work we support, France believes that only this dialogue will lead to a negotiated, consensual solution to the crisis.

We call on the Burundian parties to pursue their talks in a timely fashion under the auspices of Uganda, in order to allow Burundi—within the framework of the Arusha Agreement—to return to its model of coexistence and regain its place in the international community.

South Korea / Japan – Agreement on “comfort women” (December 28, 2015)

France welcomes the historic agreement between Korea and Japan on “comfort women.”

As we have had the opportunity to note on several occasions, on this 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, France attributes great importance to the settlement of regional disputes, including issues of remembrance, through dialogue and in a spirit of mutual respect.

This agreement strengthens relations between the two countries, refocusing them resolutely on the future.

Press freedom – 2015 Reporters Without Borders report on journalists killed worldwide

France was concerned to learn the results of the latest Reporters Without Borders report. In 2015, according to the organization, 110 journalists were killed, 67 of them because of their profession, which is more than last year. Furthermore, 54 journalists were held hostage around the world, compared with 40 in 2014.

Hit hard by the attack on Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015, France reiterates its commitment to the freedom of the press and protection of journalists. By exercising their profession, they are defending our freedom.

France is working actively within the United Nations to defend this fundamental liberty and combat impunity for those who flout it. It calls for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2222, adopted on May 27, 2015, on the protection of journalists in armed conflicts.

Source: France Diplomatie

By

Robert Williams

Editor in Chief