In the presence of the French Ambassador to the United States, Laurent Bili, the Acting Consul General of France, Damien Laban, the Senator representing the French Abroad, Mathilde Ollivier, and a large audience, the Minister firstly recalled the purpose of his presence in New York.
Mathilde Ollivier: “In France or abroad, young people must get involved”
Gérald Darmanin and the mayor of New York
After meeting the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, to discuss subjects common to the two countries, namely the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, the fight against crime in transport and the fight against immigration irregular, the minister also participated in a hearing by the Special Committee on Decolonization C24, at the headquarters of the United Nations (UN).
The Minister underlined the excellent collaboration that exists with the New York police, which welcomes French police officers who work together with their American colleagues. A subject of discussion between the two political leaders focused on the security of major events, Paris and New York being notably host cities for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2026 Football World Cup. The minister also underlined that for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the opening ceremony will not be organized in a stadium, as usual, but in the very center of the host city, Paris.
The future of New Caledonia
Following on from his last hearing before this committee in May 2023, the minister recalled France’s commitment to respecting international law in New Caledonia: return to the organization of self-determination referendums, reminder of the existence of this right in our constitution, continuation of dialogue with the different political forces, ongoing legislative and constitutional process aimed at organizing new local elections.
A common priority between France and the United States: the fight against drug trafficking
At the end of his introductory speech, the minister willingly took part in a question and answer game with the audience.
Questioned by Lepetitjournal.com on the major subjects of Franco-American cooperation, the minister particularly stressed that the fight against drug trafficking, particularly cocaine and synthetic drugs, is a common subject of concern.
Concerning the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis, the minister reaffirmed his opposition on the basis of a solid argument that he developed, while recalling that its consumption is declining in France, especially for the youngest.
2024-04-14 12:00:04
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