France considers "
necessary
" an "
additional time
", beyond August 31, to carry out the evacuations of people at risk from Afghanistan, after the takeover of the Taliban, the French Minister of Affairs said on Monday. foreigners.
Read also Afghan refugees: France is trying to organize
“
We are concerned about the deadline set by the United States of August 31st.
Additional time is needed to carry out the current operations
, ”Jean-Yves Le Drian told journalists accompanying him on Monday, August 23 at Al-Dhafra air base 104, 30 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, where the French Air Force set up an airlift to Kabul.
More than a thousand Afghans have joined France
France has "
sheltered, between August 17 and 22, nearly 1200 people, (including, Editor's note) nearly a hundred French nationals, nearly a thousand Afghans threatened. and dozens of foreign nationals from the European Union who work for the EU,
”said the minister's entourage. According to Jean-Yves Le Drian, the "
main concern is access
" to Kabul airport. "
It is done in small quantities
". "
We still need to increase our coordination locally, with the United States and our partners there
," he added.
“
We did not wait until August 15 to organize (us).
We made it easier for our nationals and many Afghans to leave the country who have been working for us for several months.
We launched the planning of the airlift before the fall of Kabul,
”argued Defense Minister Florence Parly, also of the trip.
Read alsoAfghanistan: France will allow the repatriation of 260 EU employees
"Thank the UAE authorities"
According to a joint press release from their ministries, Florence Parly and Jean-Yves Le Drian will meet "
the diplomats, the military, the police and all the personnel who, in extremely difficult conditions, contribute to the conduct of the evacuation operations from Kabul.
". They will also be received by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyane, de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates. This interview will be an opportunity to "
thank the UAE authorities for their support in the conduct of these evacuation operations
" and "to
underline the excellence of the strategic partnership between France and the UAE
".
August 31 is still the date set by the US administration for the final withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan. This schedule is, however, considered increasingly untenable by Washington's partners and President Joe Biden did not rule out Sunday extending the presence of American soldiers who supervise evacuation operations at the airport. In reaction, the Taliban warned on Monday of "consequences" if the United States delays their departure. No government will be formed while they are there, warned those who once ruled the country from 1996 to 2004.
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