QUESTIONS TO THE FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE

USPA NEWS - Recalling the statements of the heads of state and government on Ukraine, the European Council conclusions on Ukraine of 27 June, François Hollande answered our questions about the matter of the peace plan announced last week by President Porchencko

Recalling the statements of the heads of state and government on Ukraine of 6 March and 27 May, the European Council conclusions of 21 March and the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council on Ukraine of 23 June, the European Council expresses its support to the peace plan announced last week by President Porochenko. The French President Francois Hollande gave interview at the European Union - Presidency of the European Commission to representatives of the press On the D'Day was both a day of remembrance for the important French and Americans to celebrate the June 6th, 1944 during the landing of American soldiers to save France (Occupied by the Germans during the Second World War (1939-45) on the sides of Normandy and an important step for peace in...Ukraine In fact since the Russian offensive in Eastern Ukraine, the peace process has been started since the timeline of history that offered the opportune presence of Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko side who were all invited to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Liberation of France, by the French President François Hollande. A quadrilateral meeting with François Hollande the host of his guests with Angela Merkel (Russian-speaking) that was part of the pacification meeting, leading to ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

RR : Following various exchanges both telephone and visually (During the meeting between yourself, Mrs Merkel, Mr Putin and Prochencko during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Ouistream, Normandy) indicates that diplomacy is running with Ukraine and Russia, in order to establish peace in this conflict. Does Barack Obama (who was present at the meeting in Normandy) who converses in parallel on the phone with the two opponents, converges to the conditions set by the European Council?

The President : Yes all the efforts converge regarding the United States and as regards Europe, consistency. And when we act Angela Merkel and myself, we're in harmony with President Obama. We have the same goals, obtain an extension of the cease-fire, 72h, it's done. And ensure that the cease-fire to be effective at the end of this period. And that is why the four points I mentioned are essential. I must emphasize that cooperation between Germany and France between Angela Merkel and myself, this cooperation has been exemplary. Exemplary for Europe, for peace and exemplary and all what we have done, we have done all the preparation for the meeting in Bénouville (Normandy) until today and I think we will continue. And it is not only to take account of the relationships we have with President Putin and President Porochenko, others may also have excellent, or at least confidence, but also for Europe to be fully involved in this process. And again this morning, Angela Merkel and I have long seen the President Porochenko, to achieve this result. To be in the right position and find that within 72 hours to find a solution. And finally what is the meaning of the call conference that we will have Sunday “¦ Who would have thought that a few weeks ago, that it would be possible not only to meet the Ukrainian president and Russian president Bénouville in Normandy and that it would be possible to continue this direct dialogue for several very long long phone conversations, sometimes too long, but it is important that they speak. And this has been possible thank to the friendship and complicity between Germany and France.

RR : Did you and the European council discussed the South Stream pipeline project (The project is to supply the gas to South EU with the pipeline through Austria and Italy via the Balkans)? Russia and Austria have agreed on a joint company to construct the Austrian arm of the $45 billion South Stream gas pipeline project, which is expected to deliver 32 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to the country, bypassing Ukraine. The 24 of June, a meeting in Vienna, was announced for the creation of South Stream Austria. The company will be 50 percent owned by Gazprom, Russia's largest gas producer, and 50 percent by Austria´s OMV Group, the country´s largest oil and gas company. Construction on the Austrian section is expected to begin in 2015 and that the first deliveries will start in 2017, reaching full capacity in January 2018.

The President : On South Stream are choices that belong to each country, we are expecting the result, because as it is a part, you are right, energy policy that we carried out in Europe, so each country buys, as he wishes with the logistics, interconnections. It is also very important that we have coordination. And that is why I attach as much value to the European energy policy with including Germany, again. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The stakes are high both from the point of view of interests of each other but also because France, Germany and the rest of the EU, want Europe to be and stay a territory of prosperity and stability, far from the horrors war, also remind us that this kind of historical background, doing homage to heroes, fighters and survivors.