19369: Blachent: Fw: [Daily-briefing] Daily Press Briefing (February 27, 2004) (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Max Blanchet <MaxBlanchet@worldnet.att.net>
>
>                          Daily Press Briefing
>                           Statements made by
>              the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
>
>                       (Paris, February 27, 2004)
>      [Please note that only the original French text issued by the
>      French Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be considered official.
>                   ( http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr )]
>
>
> HAITI/FRANCE
> ============
>
> The minister of foreign affairs has just received a Haitian government
> delegation led by the Foreign Minister, Mr. Antonio, and including the
> Minister of Culture and Information, Ms Desquiron, and President Aristide'
> s chief of staff, Mr. Desgranges.
>
> The talks dealt with the development of the situation in Haiti.  Dominique
> de Villepin explained and reaffirmed the French view of this situation and
> the initiative it had presented to the international community on
> Wednesday.  Insisting on the urgent need to move forward in the search for
> a political solution, the minister recalled that it was up to President
> Aristide, who bears heavy responsibility for the current situation, to
> draw the conclusions from this impasse.  He emphasized the complete
> convergence of views on this matter between the United States, Canada and
> France.  More than ever, it is important for the Haitians to set up a
> transitional national unity government tasked with working for national
> reconciliation, in accordance with the CARICOM plan for resolving the
> crisis.
>
> The minister reiterated the proposals he had made to mobilize the
> international community, and I refer you in this regard to the statement
> we made Wednesday evening.
>
> He recalled that from now on each hour counts if we are to avoid an
> uncontrollable spiral of violence.
>
> I want to add that, as you know, the possibility still exists for a
> meeting with representatives of Haitian political opposition and that this
> meeting will take place as soon as possible next week. As it happens, so
> far the problems with cancelled flights have prevented the delegation from
> the Haitian political organization from leaving Port au Prince.
>
> Q - Has the minister explicitly mentioned the departure of Jean Bertrand
> Aristide?
>
> As I said, the minister recalled that it was up to President Aristide, who
> bears heavy responsibility for the present situation, to draw the
> consequences from the impasse. And I refer you to the minister's statement
> last Wednesday, which is also very clearly on this point.
>
> Q - Does France still envision sending a buffer force, in the framework of
> the UN for example?  If that's the case, where would this force leave
> from?  From our positions in French Guiana or in the Antilles or from
> France itself?
>
> We're not at that stage.  Our proposal to establish a civilian
> peacekeeping force is still on the table.  You saw our statement on
> Wednesday.
>
> As you know, consultations were held in the Security Council yesterday at
> which this question was discussed.  But there's been no decision.  So we'
> re not at the stage of working on the practical aspects.
>
> Q - Does France think the force should include police officers, gendarmes
> and soldiers?  Is it to be armed, and if so how?
>
> We're talking about a civilian force, which is already a first response to
> your question.  Obviously, this is all something that will be examined
> depending on the context, which is clearly evolving.
>
> Q - Did the Haitian delegation put forward any proposals for breaking the
> impasse in the state?
>
> There was an exchange of views, but it's not my job to present the
> positions of the Haitian delegation.
>
> Q - Will there be any contacts between the minister, the Americans and
> Canadians to discuss what you spoke about this morning?
>
> Probably.  I don't know anything specific but I can tell you that in the
> past few days the minister has spoken repeatedly by phone with those you
> mentioned and others too.
>
> Q - As it's France that suggested Mr. Aristide leave, are you planning to
> welcome him to France?
>
> As to your first point, we must be quite clear.  We're saying that it is
> up to President Aristide to draw the consequences in the situation.  But
> we also say that it is his decision.
>
> As to your second question, it is hypothetical.
>