Kidnapping of two French journalists in Iraq

Statement made by H.E. Mr. Michel Barnier, French Minister of Foreign Affairs
(Amman, 31 August 2004)

“In the grave circumstances in which we find ourselves, it’s important for me to be in Amman today. Firstly for humane, personal reasons. Indeed, this is where Christian Chesnot has lived and worked for five years. Georges Malbrunot very often comes here. Both have many friends in this city and I can see for myself the unanimous sense of shock and feeling of solidarity which surround them. Here more than anywhere else, people know the degree to which both are, and have long been, genuinely attached to this region they know so very well, the men and women who live there and particularly their sympathy with the Iraqi people.
It is this same solidarity that King Abdullah and my colleague and friend Marwan Muasher expressed to me this morning in Jordan.
But beyond that - as you have seen in the past few days -, there have been expressions not only of this solidarity and shock, but also of disbelief throughout the Arab and Muslim countries, in all quarters.
These have come, of course, from the political leaders and peoples who know France’s traditional commitment to justice, dignity and sovereignty. In Palestine, of course; in Iraq where France has always argued for the country’s independence, sovereignty and always shown solidarity with its people and their suffering.
But what also deeply touches us is the solidarity and sense of shock unanimously expressed by Islam’s highest authorities. We hear these voices of wisdom, these statements by the great authorities of Islam. True to this religion’s message of humanity and tolerance, these voices too are calling for Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot’s release.
And these voices are echoing the same appeals from France’s Muslims and especially the youngest of them. They too are praying for our two compatriots’ release and testifying to the true nature of our country.
Indeed, it is to the credit of our country and the French Republic that France has historically guaranteed the same protection, the same freedom of conscience and worship to all who live in France.
This is the message and response of France, of our people in their diversity and their unity.
This is the message of all those who know what France is and what she does.
It is this message which, tirelessly, is being addressed to everyone who has any say in the fate of Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot. Once again, and as President Jacques Chirac has done again this morning, we call for their release./.