Canal France International – Participation of Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (July 11, 2023)

On July 11, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is opening the Media and Development forum organized by Canal France International (CFI) in Paris.

For the next two days, the French media development agency (CFI) will bring together more than 300 journalists from 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Arab world to discuss “Meeting Information Challenges.”

The Minister of State’s participation in this event is yet another opportunity to illustrate France’s support for all those who defend the freedom to inform, our backing of independent media and press freedom, and our commitment to building a trustworthy information space.

For the past year, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna has made support for the media and access to independent, reliable, quality information a French diplomatic priority.

Ukraine – France appalled by new Russian air strikes, particularly against a humanitarian aid distribution point in Ukraine (July 10 and 11, 2023)

France is appalled by the Russian missile strike that targeted a humanitarian aid distribution point in the city of Orikhiv on July 10, leaving at least four dead. We condemn just as strongly last night’s attacks that targeted Kyiv and Odesa.

These strikes, which confirm Russia’s contempt for protecting civilians and international humanitarian law, deliberately targeted protected sites and personnel in violation of international humanitarian law, particularly as it relates to the protection of humanitarian relief personnel.

As Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna has repeatedly emphasized, these acts are war crimes and cannot go unpunished.

In close coordination with its allies, France pledges to step up its military support for Ukraine, particularly Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, and its support for Ukrainian and international courts in order to combat impunity for such crimes.

Central African Republic – Attack on MINUSCA (July 10, 2023)

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the July 10th attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) that took place near Sam Ouandja in the northwestern CAR and killed one Rwandan peacekeeper.

France offers its condolences to the deceased soldier’s loved ones and the Rwandan authorities.

France hails MINUSCA’s commitment and reiterates its full support for its mission. Those responsible for this attack must be identified and held accountable.