Denis Simonneau

Denis Simonneau is a member of the French Diplomatic Service and has held many international posts, including consul general of France in Houston and deputy spokesperson for the French government’s Department of Foreign Affairs. He is currently the director of European and international relations for an international group.

Palestine | Feb 4, 2017

Why Paris conference on Mideast peace was a success

In an interview with Al-Monitor, senior French diplomat Pierre Vimont says that the Jan. 15 Paris conference reaffirmed that a two-state solution is the only viable option for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Palestine | Sep 19, 2016

Veteran French diplomat: EU should play greater role in resolving Syria crisis

French diplomat Alain Le Roy discusses the European Union's "unstable" and "insecure" borders and its greater challenge of resolving the crisis in Syria.

Alain Le Roy, under-secretary-general for Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations, looks on in a helicopter during his visit at the Golf Hotel, headquarters of Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan December 27, 2010, where a detachment of UNOCI peacekeepers provides security. An election meant to resolve Ivory Coast's decade-long political crisis has resulted in two rivals claiming the presidency, with incumbent Laurent Gbagbo defying world pressure to hand over to Ouattara. The standoff has killed more than

Syria | May 18, 2016

Turkish ambassador calls joining EU Ankara’s 'strategic objective'

In a wide-ranging interview with Al-Monitor, Turkish Ambassador to France Hakki Akil discussed Turkey’s perspectives on a safe zone in Syria, the migration crisis, Turkey’s progress toward EU membership, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Russian intervention in Syria and the possibility of international intervention in Libya.

European Union (L) and Turkish flags fly outside a hotel in Istanbul, Turkey May 4, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RTX2DYBG

Lebanon | Apr 14, 2016

French FM speaks out on Middle East crises

Newly appointed French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault speaks to Al-Monitor about the link between Europe's migrant crisis and the Syrian conflict, saying the European Union and France must shoulder their responsibilities to help solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

Pan Arab | Jan 30, 2015

French lawmaker: France acts as 'guardian' in US-Iran nuclear deal

The chairwoman of the French Foreign Affairs panel tells Al-Monitor that the White House seems "eager to reach an agreement" quickly.

North Africa | Jul 2, 2014

French defense minister sees progress against Mali terrorism

In an interview with Al-Monitor, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian speaks about French involvement in Mali and the Central African Republic.

French President Francois Hollande (C), French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (3rdR) and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (2ndL) inspect arms confiscated from ex-Seleka rebels and "anti-balaka" militia by the French military of operation Sangaris at a French military base in Bangui, February 28, 2014. President Francois Hollande flew to Central African Republic on Friday to tell its leaders and French forces stationed there that France will work to stop the country splitting in two. REUTERS/Sia K

Iran | Feb 13, 2014

France, United States differ on business with Iran

A French business delegation comes away with the sense that Iran is ready to turn a page in its economic ties with the West.

Renault Asia Chief Gilles Normand attends an interview with Reuters in Boulogne-Billancourt, January 28, 2014. Renault has resumed shipments to Iran and expects its car production in the country to pick up progressively throughout the first half of 2014, the French automaker said. A temporary easing of sanctions has begun to allow a "very low" volume of parts shipments for vehicle assembly in Iran, Renault's regional boss Gilles Normand told Reuters in an interview late on Tuesday. Picture taken January 28

Egypt | Oct 29, 2013

EU Official Says Iran 'Undoubtedly' Has New Approach to Nuclear Talks

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Pierre Vimont, deputy to High Representative Catherine Ashton, says it's “still rather difficult to conclude that they have presented a new policy.”