Israel / Terrorist attacks in Israel – French nationals who have died, are missing or are being held hostage (October 19, 2023)

France mourns the tragic deaths of additional French nationals, which brings to 28 the toll of French victims of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel.

We extend our condolences to their loved ones and are in contact with the families and the Israeli authorities to lend them our full support in this ordeal.

Seven compatriots are still missing. It has now been confirmed that some of them are hostages of Hamas. As President Macron reiterated, we are doing everything we can to obtain their release.

We are in constant touch with all the families of our nationals who are missing or being held hostage.

Russia – France condemns the arrest of Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia (October 19, 2023)

France deplores the arrest of Russian-American Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Alsu Kurmasheva.

This arrest follows that of American journalist Evan Gershkovich, whose detention was extended in August.

France is very concerned by the Russian authorities’ crackdown on critics of the government and its war of aggression against Ukraine. It condemns restrictions on the freedom of speech and freedom of the press, which have multiplied in recent months.

France calls on the Russian authorities to respect human rights and fundamental liberties, to release all political prisoners and to drop legal proceedings against them.

Ukraine – France condemns the latest round of Russian airstrikes against Ukraine (October 19, 2023)

France utterly condemns the Russian airstrikes of the past few days, which killed several civilians in Ukraine. In Zaporizhzhia, a missile strike against a residential building left at least five dead and four injured during the early hours of October 18. In Stepove, located in the Mykolaiv region, a missile strike killed two people and injured another during the evening of the 18th. In Kherson, at least two people were killed and four injured this morning.

By once again targeting residential buildings, Russia is attacking civilians and again flagrantly and deliberately violating international humanitarian law. It is also continuing to destroy infrastructure that is vital to global food security. These acts constitute war crimes for which Russia must be held accountable. They demonstrate Russia’s total cynicism at a time when it claims to be concerned about international humanitarian law.

As Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has repeatedly emphasized, France will continue to work closely with its partners to provide Ukraine with the help it needs to guarantee its legitimate defense. It will also continue its support for Ukrainian courts and the International Criminal Court to combat impunity for Russia’s crimes. And France will also continue its food aid for the countries most vulnerable to food insecurity as a result of the Russian aggression.

Colombia – Opening of negotiations between the Colombian government and the FARC-EMC (October 19, 2023)

France welcomes the official start of negotiations on October 16 between the Colombian government and the Central General Staff of the FARC-EP, as well as the signing of a three-month ceasefire and agreement to respect the civilian population. This is one more step toward peace in Colombia.

France reiterates its support for negotiations between the National Liberation Army and the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, and it commends the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia in this regard.