Madam, - In a reaction to Lara Marlowe's article on France's relations with Libya (August 10th), I would like to point out the following: in his audition by the two Foreign Affairs Committees of the National Parliament on August 2nd, Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, made the following statements:
- The release of the Bulgarian nurses and doctor has not been obtained in return for quid pro quos such as financial payments by France or an arms contract.
- The European dimension of the efforts which have been under way for several years must not be overlooked. The agreement on the release was reached in the presence of Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner.
- France is abiding and will abide by international, European and national rules applicable since, in 2003-2004, Libya herself opted to honour her international commitments.
On August 3rd, President Sarkozy approved of the initiative by Bernard Accoyer, President of the National Assembly, to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry into recent developments in the relations between France and Libya, including in the field of armaments. - Yours, etc,
LOUIS DE CORAIL,
Chargé d'Affaires a.i.,
Embassy of France,
Dublin 4.