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News Archive
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'A FLAWLESS RELATIONSHIP’ – THE UK-FRENCH SUMMIT
In a joint press conference between Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac and Lionel Jospin at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29 November, the ‘common ground’ between the UK and France was emphasised. During their talks earlier in the day, the leaders said they had discussed ‘bilateral issues’, in particular immigration. The leaders had talked about Africa and ‘the future of Europe and the preparation in the run up to the Laeken declaration’. Mr Blair said that France’s strength of purpose had ‘given an enormous amount of force and strength to the feeling that this evil of international terrorism must be combated’ after 11 September. He concluded that the coalition’s effectiveness provides ‘some hope for the people of Afghanistan’.
‘UK-FRENCH SUMMIT: JOINT COMMUNIQUE’
The UK-French Summit took place at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 29 November 2001. In the joint communiqué, France and the UK commit themselves to ‘a significant contribution to the UN Security Council’s task of maintaining peace and international security’, in pursuing EU external policy goals. The declaration reiterates the two countries stand shoulder to shoulder with the United States against terrorism and ‘will continue to sustain the fight against terrorism so that the outrage of 11 September is never repeated’. The communiqué also highlights the change in France and the UK’s relationship with Russia, from one ‘based on a balance of power to one based on trust’. The countries face ‘common challenges’ and EU-Russia Summit meetings ‘have opened new prospects’.
PETER HAIN WELCOMES ACHIEVEMENTS AT DIAMOND CONFERENCE
Foreign Office Minister Peter Hain welcomed the progress made at the Kimberley Process meeting in Botswana, which closed today. He said: 'I am delighted by this outcome. I have been pushing hard for swift action to break the link between conflict diamonds and brutal civil wars.'
'A NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR INVESTMENT IN YUGOSLAVIA'
In a speech to the Confederation of British Industry conference on Yugoslavia on 29 November, FCO Minister of State, Baroness Symons, welcomed President Kostunica and other senior Yugoslavian representatives, and emphasised the strong bond of partnership that exists between the UK and the new Yugoslavia. She praised the Yugoslav President and his people, for the ‘momentous democratic victory’ they have achieved in their country and detailed the progress that has been made both politically and in terms of business. Baroness Symons went on to focus on the new investment opportunities that are now available for British business in Yugoslavia and said that ‘Yugoslavia is now ready to play its natural role as a strong and reliable European partner.’
APPOINTMENT OF NEW DIRECTOR OF STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (SIPRI)
Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Helsinki, Alyson J K Bailes, has been chosen to succeed Dr Adam Daniel Rotfeld as Director of SIPRI.
CHANGE OF GOVERNOR OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Bruce Dinwiddy has been appointed Governor of the Cayman Islands in succession to Peter Smith who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Mr Dinwiddy is due to take up his appointment in May 2002.
MINISTERIAL ENGAGEMENTS
In addition to their regular official and parliamentary duties, FCO Ministers have the following public engagements...
TRAVEL ADVICE NOTICES
The following countries have updated travel advice notices.
FCO Daily Bulletin...
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