FM Le Drian to represent France at Crimean Platform summit – ambassador

The French government will send Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian to the Crimean Platform summit in Kyiv.

French Ambassador to Ukraine Etienne de Poncins said this in an interview with TSN.ua.

“Our Foreign Minister, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, will represent France both at the Crimean Platform summit and at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence,” he said.

According to him, it is a good idea for Ukraine to return the issue of the illegal annexation of Crimea to the agenda.

“We believe that it is a good idea to put the illegal annexation of Crimea back on the agenda. And let's say it again that Crimea is not part of the Normandy format and the Minsk process. So yes, we will be represented,” the ambassador noted.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupation regime, and achieve the de-occupation of Crimea.

The first Crimean Platform summit is scheduled for August 23, 2021.

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