MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –
The President of the Republic spoke by telephone with His Majesty Abdullah II, King of Jordan, on Thursday April 25, 2024.
The French head of state reiterated his commitment to the peace and security initiative for all that he set out in October 2023, comprising three pillars: security, humanitarian and political. The two leaders underlined their determination to work towards de-escalation in the region, and referred in particular to France’s efforts to resolve the growing tensions on the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon.
The two leaders discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. They expressed their deepest concern at the prospect of an Israeli offensive on Rafah, where over 1.5 million people have taken refuge, and reiterated their opposition to such an operation. Both insisted on the need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to allow the massive delivery of emergency aid and the protection of civilian populations. President Sarkozy reiterated that the release of the hostages held by Hamas was an absolute priority for France.
The Head of State and the King of Jordan recalled Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza, and the need to facilitate full use of the port of Ashdod and the direct land route from Jordan for humanitarian purposes, and to open a northern crossing as announced. The two leaders agreed to continue their close humanitarian partnership in support of the Palestinians in Gaza.
Turning to the West Bank, the two leaders strongly condemned recent Israeli settlement announcements, which were contrary to international law. The Head of State recalled that initial measures had been taken against settlers guilty of violence against Palestinian civilians, and that France was considering other measures, in consultation with its partners.
The President of the Republic and the King of Jordan agreed to pursue their determined efforts to promote the effective implementation of the two-state solution, which is the only way to meet the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for peace and security. The President of the Republic recalled France’s efforts in the United Nations Security Council, in coordination with the members of the UN Security Council and the Arab Contact Group, to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and to lay the foundations for a lasting political settlement of the conflict.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
