Involvement of French companies in East Jerusalem tramway project – French MFA statement/press briefing/Non-UN document

Daily Press Briefing

Statements made by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

(Paris, October 26, 2005)

…

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

Q – The Palestinian Authority is deeply concerned that Alstom and Connex are participating in a tramway project to serve two districts of settlers in the region of Jerusalem. For the international civil campaign for the protection of the Palestinian people (CCIPP), France, by overseeing this contract, is making itself “complicit” with the occupation. What’s the French position on this?

The question was discussed during Mahmoud’s visit to Paris.

French companies are participating in the construction of the Jerusalem tramway in the context of an international market geared to trade. The fact that they’re participating in this project has no consequence in our view on the status of East Jerusalem. Our position has not changed on the settlement of the West Bank and around East Jerusalem, which is contrary to international law.

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