Fabius Describes Qatari -French Relations as Deep-Rooted and Distinguished

Doha, May 03 (QNA) - French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius described Qatari-French relations as deep-rooted and distinguished, covering political, defence, economic and cultural fields, saying that excellence in political ties between the two countries has created a suitable atmosphere for developing the relations in other areas. In an exclusive interview with Qatar's Arabic "Al-Sharq" newspaper before heading to Doha, accompanying French President Francois Hollande on an official visit, Fabius said that Hollande's visit to Doha is a perfect example of these distinguished relations and it is also crystallizing our strategic partnership and our mutual trust. He expressed hope that France will witness further Qatari investments, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He also said that the State of Qatar know that France is one of the five world's superpowers and at the same time it is not biased to any camp and have clear options and principles. Therefore, in foreign policy, France's voice loudly heard. On France's stance towards military operation against Houthi group in Yemen which is led by Gulf States, Fabius said that after Houthis seized Sana'a and dissolved parliament they tried to topple Yemen's President and to control the city of Aden, then the legitimate President demanded an emergency intervention to preserve his country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and this what has been done by the Alliance, in accordance with international law. France stands side by side with its partners in the region, in order to restore Yemen's stability and its territorial integrity, he stated. For this reason, France sought for the UN Security Council to adopt resolution 2216 and the initiate of "Operation Renewal of Hope" in Yemen is an entry to a new phase, a matter which will allow to provide humanitarian needs to the Yemeni people and start a political dialogue process aimed at restoring authority of the President and establishing a comprehensive national reconciliation government. Regarding to Syria, Fabius noted that France has moved to promote a political transition based on the Geneva communique and is the only internationally agreed basis. Obviously, it is impossible for Bashar Al-Assad to take over Syria in the future, he said, expressing his hope that an agreement will be reached between regime's elements on one hand and the moderate opposition on the other hand. French Foreign Minister added that France is trying to strengthen opposition's unity and wrap around the Syrian national coalition, saying that his country is supporting all actions that are consistent with these basic guidelines. On issues related to Syria, "we hear sometimes someone says that Daesh group is worse than Bashar Al-Assad," so Bashar Al-Assad must be supported to get rid of Daesh, Fabius said, adding that in fact, Daesh and Al-Assad are two sides of the same coin. French Foreign Minister said that as much as we support a political solution in Syria, including regime's elements and opposition's elements, as much as we believe that the support of Assad to take over Syria in the future is a double fault at the moral and political levels alike because it pushing those who are chased by the regime to join Daesh group. (MORE)