By Vestnik Kavkaza
The U.S. continues its preparation for a military operation against the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The UK is one of America's traditional key allies, which has a powerful military potential, but it rejected participation in the prepared operation. Despite huge efforts by Premier David Cameron, British MPs said a firm “no” to another military operation. Thus, France is currently America's only ally out of the European countries, even though two-thirds of its population are against the military campaign. Why do the French authorities support the military initiative by the U.S.? French President Francois Hollande explained why he stepped onto the war-path in an exclusive comment to the German portal FOCUS Online. Vestnik Kavkaza presents a translation of the comment.
“Everything points to the fact that this atrocity has been committed by the Syrian regime. Thus, the world has handed down a final verdict to the regime. Use of a weapon which has been forbidden in all international conventions of the international community for 90 years is a shame. Should I remind you that 100 thousand people have already been killed in the conflict and that it will spread in the region? With an attack on Lebanon. With an inflow of refugees to Jordan and Turkey. With dreadful violence in Iraq. This civil war puts threatens peace throughout the whole world.
France has been taking action for a year. It started the conference of “Syria’s Friends” which took place in Paris in July 2012. France was the first country to recognize the National Coalition as the legal representative of the Syrian people last September. Finally, France didn’t hesitate and provided the Syrian opposition with humanitarian and material support for it to fight.
The responsibility of France is the essence of the foreign policy provided by myself and Laurent Fabius. It is based on three key principles: Independence, which enables us to act any time in complete sovereignty and stay devoted to our principles, European solidarity, and our bilateral agreements. Due to its freedom France is helpful to the world and for peace.
Following international law. This is the best guarantee of respecting territorial borders, settlement of arguments, and providing collective security. However, the law should develop up to date. International law cannot be an excuse for slaughter. So, I agree with the principle of “responsibility for defense” toward civil society, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the UN in 2005.
The third principle is the demand for dialogue. France wants to build bridges between continents and avoid a clash of civilizations, as somebody says. France considers itself “a directing force”, i.e. a nation which is able to speak from wider positions than its own interests.
To be effective, these three principles should be based on corresponding instruments of influence. First of all, on diplomacy, but also on military capacities which give a special role to France, as a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN.
At the same time, I know that there will be no firm peace without a settlement of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The French position on the problem remains the same. The conditions for a fair and stable settlement are well-known. They are based on the existence of two viable states which recognize each other in definite borders. I supported making Palestine an observer state at the UN. However, any voting cannot replace direct dialogue. So, I welcome a continuation of the talks which are being prompted by the American government. To dispel illusions, I would state: This is one of the last opportunities to achieve peace. It shouldn’t be missed.”
