PARIS (AA) - France pledged Thursday to abide by the forthcoming decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel.
Speaking at the Foreign Ministry's weekly press briefing, spokesman Christophe Lemoine addressed various questions, shedding light on France's stance on international affairs.
Lemoine reiterated France's longstanding support for the Palestinian people's legitimate aspirations for statehood, affirming the nation's dedication to advocating a two-state solution in the troubled region.
Refuting claims that French mercenaries are operating in Ukraine, Lemoine clarified that any individuals involved in the conflict from France were acting as volunteers, not as representatives of the French government.
Commenting on a Russian military plane that crashed in Russia’s Belgorod region near the border with Ukraine on Wednesday, killing all on 74 people on board, including 65 captured Ukrainian troops, Lemoine said: "We are not commenting on the plane that crashed in the Belgorod region. We cannot say whether Russian claims are true or not,” referring to claims by Moscow that it was shot down by a Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile.
Asked by an Anadolu correspondent whether France had discussed the issue of the Russian plane being shot down with Ukrainian officials and whether they had rejected Russia's request for a meeting on the issue at the UN Security Council (UNSC), Lemoine said: Regarding the shooting down of the Russian plane, we have not rejected any meeting at the UNSC."
Lemoine said regular meetings are held at the Security Council on Ukraine and that there was a meeting earlier this week, adding there would be another meeting soon regarding the country.
The spotlight, however, remained on the impending ICJ decision concerning provisional measures in the genocide case against Israel.
Lemoine emphasized France's adherence to the ICJ's role in maintaining international order and respecting international law, affirming their readiness to honor the court's forthcoming ruling.
On Dec. 29, South Africa filed a lawsuit with the ICJ requesting an injunction against Israel on the grounds that the Israeli army’s onslaught on Gaza violates the Genocide Convention.
South Africa demands the ICJ grant nine interim injunctions, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure that the displaced return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance including adequate food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter and clothing, take necessary steps to punish those involved in the genocide and preserve the evidence of genocide.