As Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said on Saturday, France reaffirms its willingness, in consultation with its European partners, to continue a demanding dialogue with the Iranian authorities. It will remain vigilant on the issues of concern known to our Iranian interlocutors, in particular the question of nuclear proliferation and human rights.

In this regard the French authorities note with regret that at the very time when the Iranians were called to choose their president, certain measures affecting freedom of expression were taken. France pleads for positive gestures to be made in this domain by the new Iranian authorities.

Beyond that France intends to respect the commitments made in the context of its relations with Iran. It hopes that the same will be true for the new Iranian authorities, with the common wish to demonstrate responsibility and to work to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.