France declines to comment on trials of Daesh-linked nationals in Syria
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meets representatives of Syria's civil society in Damascus on January 3, 2025 (AFP Photo)
The French Foreign Ministry remained silent Thursday on whether French nationals detained in northeastern Syria for alleged links to the terrorist group Daesh should be tried in their home country.
France’s position on trials of Daesh-linked nationals
During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christophe Lemoine was asked whether France’s insistence on Algeria accepting the deportation of its citizens contradicted its argument that French nationals accused of Daesh links should be tried in Syria, “as close as possible to where the crimes were committed.”
“These are two different matters,” Lemoine responded, refraining from addressing whether the detainees should be repatriated for trial in France.
Lemoine clarified that detained Daesh members and individuals facing deportation from France could not be considered under the same legal framework, avoiding further discussion on the issue.
France’s role in Syria’s reconstruction
Lemoine also addressed the European Union’s recent decision to lift certain sanctions on Syria, particularly in the banking, transportation, and energy sectors.
“France welcomes the lifting of some sanctions that exert pressure on Syria,” he said. However, he stressed that the reconstruction process should be linked to the gradual lifting of restrictions and should align with international expectations for a political transition.
France also welcomed the Syrian National Dialogue Conference held in Damascus earlier this week, calling for continued dialogue that includes “all elements of Syrian society without exception.”
France’s commitment to Syrian sovereignty
Lemoine reiterated France’s support for a free, united, and sovereign Syria, stating that France would “take full responsibility for the reconstruction of Syria’s economy.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity and the need to uphold UN resolutions regarding the buffer zone between Syria and Israel.
International legal obligations and the ICC
Addressing international legal matters, Lemoine responded to questions regarding an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He stated that France would act “in accordance with international law and its obligations under the Rome Statute.”
The Rome Statute mandates cooperation with the ICC while also establishing immunity provisions for incumbent heads of state from non-signatory countries, such as Israel. Lemoine said this matter would be handled within the framework of legal obligations.
Geopolitical context and upcoming diplomatic engagements
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement took effect on January 19, pausing hostilities that have resulted in significant casualties. Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military actions in the enclave.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom on March 2 for discussions on issues including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
