Iran – Arrest of journalists
France utterly condemns the recent arrests of journalists in Iran. Furthermore, it is extremely concerned by the situation of the bloggers, Saeed Malekpour and Vahid Asghari, for whom death sentences have just been confirmed by the Iranian courts. It reaffirms its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and its attachment to the freedom of expression. It calls on the Iranian authorities to review these unacceptable decisions.
In the run-up to the parliamentary elections on March 2, these arrests and convictions, like the interference in some sections of the media, the monitoring and censorship of the Internet, constitute further unacceptable violations of the fundamental right of Iranian citizens to have access to free and objective information.
We urge the Iranian authorities to effectively comply with the international commitments to which they have subscribed, and, in particular, to guarantee the full exercise of freedom of expression and respect for the freedom of the press and the right to information.
Syria – Security Council
We value the fact that it was the Arab League that asked to appear before the UNSC in order to present its plan for restoring civil peace and for political transition.
We are working with the Arab League to ensure that such a meeting will allow the Security Council to end its shameful silence which has continued for too long.
We believe that the Arab League’s proposals provide the international community with a solid basis for action to end the suffering of the Syrian people and to allow a new phase to begin in this country.
We want a Security Council resolution supporting the Arab League to be adopted as swiftly as possible.
