Iran – Meeting between Mme Catherine Colonna and her Iranian counterpart (16 Nov. 2023)

Mme Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting in Geneva with her Iranian counterpart, Mr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, today, Thursday 16 November 2023.

The Minister recalled the need for everyone to condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel and its population. There could be no ambiguity on this point. The acts of terror perpetrated against civilians were unjustifiable and unacceptable.

She reiterated France’s commitment to Israel’s security and Israel’s right to defend itself and its people, in a targeted and proportionate way, in accordance with international humanitarian law. She emphasized that every measure must be taken to spare civilians, and that humanitarian access routes must be guaranteed.

The Minister firmly warned her counterpart against any escalation or extension of the conflict, particularly to Lebanon. The Islamic Republic of Iran had a heavy responsibility in this regard.

Finally, the Minister called for the immediate release of the four French nationals still being held arbitrarily in Iran, whose situation is extremely worrying.