Four days after the start of the war in the Middle East, the president of the Republic spoke on television on Tuesday, March 3, at 8 p.m. Deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and first returns of French citizens, here’s what to remember from his speech.
Emmanuel Macron addressed the French people on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. The President of the Republic spoke on television about the situation in the Middle East and its repercussions, four days after the first Israeli-American strikes against Iran.
“Iran bears the primary responsibility for this situation,” said the head of state at the beginning of his speech, pointing out their “dangerous nuclear program”, support for “terrorist groups” in Lebanon, Yemen, and militias in Iraq, as well as “orders to shoot their own people.” However, he also stressed that the United States and Israel had acted “outside international law, which we cannot approve.” “History never mourns the executioners of their people. None will be missed,” he added.
Two first repatriations of citizens
“My responsibility is to act to protect our country, guarantee the security of our compatriots, and defend national order,” continued Emmanuel Macron, indicating that “two first flights” evacuating French citizens from the Middle East will arrive in Paris on Tuesday evening.
400,000 French nationals are present in the dozen countries affected by the conflict. He also announced measures to increase security on national territory. “At my request, the government has strengthened the Sentinelle military protection system and vigilance around the most exposed places and people,” he added, referring to patrols of soldiers on French territory.
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier on its way to the Mediterranean
The president also announced military reinforcements in the war-torn region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its frigate escort, which will “sail” to the Mediterranean. “I have ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air capabilities, and its frigate escort to sail to the Mediterranean,” said the head of state. He also announced the sending of Rafale aircraft, anti-aircraft defense systems, and airport radar, which have been deployed “in recent hours,” as well as the sending of the frigate Languedoc and anti-aircraft means to Cyprus.
The president said that France had shot down drones “in legitimate defense” “from the first hours” of the conflict, and that two French bases had suffered “limited strikes, causing material damage” in this conflict.
