(22 Jan 2023)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS VIA AGENCY POOL (AFPTV)
Paris - 22 January 2023
1. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arriving for briefing
2. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"As for the Leclerc (tanks), I asked the defence minister to work on it. Nothing is ruled out and this is indeed assessed collectively and with regard to three criteria that I have asked to be assessed. Firstly, as we have always done since the beginning, that it should not be an escalation of the conflict - we have always had this position. The second is that it can provide real and effective support to our Ukrainian friends. And for that we have to take into account the reality of the capabilities and the operational support to Ukrainians including via taking into account the training time. This is what we have done since the beginning because of all the equipment we deliver. We were keen to see when it arrived on the ground and when Ukrainian soldiers could use it. This must also be taken into account for the new equipment that we are looking at. The third criteria is not to weaken our own defence."
3. Close of Macron and Scholz
4. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"I am waiting for the transitional president (Burkina Faso’s junta leader, Ibrahim) Traore to speak because I understand that the messages that have been sent out at this stage are very confusing as he is away from the capital. So I think we have to be very careful and watch out that it is not manipulation from some who may have links with what we are experiencing in Ukraine: namely from Russians. So we are waiting for clarifications from Mr. Traore on this subject."
5. Close of Macron and Scholz
6. SOUNDBITE (French) Emmanuel Macron, French President:
"There has been this social time. There is now a political time opening up in the Assembly and this must be respected, so I hope that the government, with the parliamentarians in the National Assembly and then in the Senate, will be able to work on the text and adjust it. But at the same time there is what our constitution provides for, the possibility always respected, even in times of pandemic in our country, of demonstrating and expressing discontent. This is democratic life and it's a good thing, so I hope that this democratic life will continue. I trust that it will take its course in such a way that it is peaceful and that there is the least possible disturbance for all our compatriots and that things are done calmly."
7. Macron and Scholz at briefing
8. Macron and Scholz with ministers holding meeting
STORYLINE:
France and Germany committed on Sunday to giving Ukraine “unwavering support” and to strengthening the European Union as they sought to overcome differences over defence, energy and economic issues on the 60th anniversary of their post-World War II friendship treaty.
The German government's entire Cabinet was in Paris for joint meetings with their French counterparts, and about 300 lawmakers from the two countries came together at the Sorbonne University during the day of ceremonies and talks.
The war in Ukraine has exposed differences in strategy between the two countries, notably in European talks on how to deal with the resulting energy crisis and punishing inflation, as well as over future military investments.
Both countries have contributed significant weaponry to Ukraine, but Ukraine is asking for tanks and more powerful arms as Russia’s war drags on.
Germany is under pressure to approve the transfer of Leopard 2 battle tanks, which are made in the country.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
