French diplomatic response to editorial on Francesca Albanese

With reference to our editorial dated  February 16, the French Embassy has sent the following right of reply.

The French Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Maldives has taken note of the opinion piece published on February 16 in the Daily Mirror, following the condemnation by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the positions taken by Ms. Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories. France has repeatedly expressed concern about repeated statements that are contrary to the impartiality required of the Special Rapporteur appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. The 61st session of the Human Rights Council will open in Geneva on February 23. A dialogue between Member States and Ms. Albanese is planned in this context.

France was one of the first countries to take action to end the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, without applying any double standards. It expressed its solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which it condemned and whose disarmament it demands. But it also condemned the subsequent violations of international humanitarian law against the civilian population of Gaza and humanitarian personnel. In the face of these unbearable tragedies, it has tirelessly provided concrete assistance to the civilian populations of the Gaza Strip (1,700 tons since October 7, 2023, including 400 tons that have just arrived in Egypt and are in the process of being delivered).

From the outset, France has also worked tirelessly to promote a lasting political solution in the Middle East, aimed at creating the conditions necessary to fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Israel and Palestine to live side by side in peace and security. Calling for a ceasefire, France recognised the State of Palestine. It did so after conducting a diplomatic process alongside Saudi Arabia, with the support of a large number of states around the world, in particular the Arab League, which led to the New York Declaration of July 29, 2025 on the question of Palestine in favour of a just settlement based on the two-state solution. This initiative was then endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly and contributed to the reopening of a political horizon. 

France’s commitment cannot be disputed. France supports dialogue and any initiative that can contribute in a concrete way to de-escalating tensions and strengthening regional security and stability. In the Middle East, as elsewhere, international law applies to everyone. All lives are equal, and there is no hierarchy. That is why France is actively involved in managing all major international crises. What matters to France, yesterday as today, is that the second phase of the peace plan for Gaza can be implemented on the ground. All our efforts are focused on this goal.