France Steps Up Efforts to Repatriate Citizens Amid Fallout From the War
Key Takeaways
- France repatriates nationals stranded by the conflict with Iran
- French foreign ministry operates a Paris crisis center coordinating repatriations
- About 20 Red Cross volunteers staff the crisis center's fourth floor
Overview of effort
France is highlighting its repatriation operations for nationals left stranded by the conflict with Iran.
“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by France is highlighting its repatriation operations for nationals left stranded by the conflict with Iran”
The Times reporter Catherine Porter visited the French foreign ministry’s crisis center in Paris for French citizens stranded in the Middle East.
Crisis centers active 24/7
On the fourth floor of the French foreign ministry about 20 Red Cross volunteers took calls on Monday afternoon from distressed French citizens.
It was one of three government-run crisis centers, staffed 24 hours a day, working to repatriate tens of thousands of French citizens stuck in the region after war broke out in Iran.
Political framing and priority
French ministers framed repatriations as part of a muscular government response intended to project assertiveness after President Trump sidelined Europe in the buildup to war.
“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by France is highlighting its repatriation operations for nationals left stranded by the conflict with Iran”
“Our priority is the safety of our citizens,” said Éléonore Caroit, the French minister responsible for citizens abroad.
Macron's military posture
President Emmanuel Macron has refused to have France join the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them illegal.
He has instead sent defensive weapons and deployed about a dozen warships to defend allies like Cyprus, protect shipping routes off the Iranian coast and, if necessary, help with repatriations.
Experts say those battle ships make up more than half the French war fleet.
Repatriation numbers and risks
Volunteers in the call centers have fielded more than 11,000 calls and 7,500 requests for help returning to France, Ms. Caroit said.
“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by France is highlighting its repatriation operations for nationals left stranded by the conflict with Iran”
The French government has repatriated 1,500 French nationals on military and commercial planes from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
One French plane dispatched to the region turned back because of missile fire.
Timing and international comparison
Separately, the French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said about 15,000 French citizens returned on commercial flights on their own.
France was among the first countries to organize repatriation flights amid criticism of the United States for acting too slowly.
The first French repatriation flight reached France early last Wednesday, the day before the U.S. State Department said the first American equivalent reached the United States.
U.S. response and criticism
The State Department initially caused an outcry after telling stranded Americans to leave the region “using available commercial transportation” even as several countries closed their airspace.
“War in theMiddle East Advertisement Supported by France is highlighting its repatriation operations for nationals left stranded by the conflict with Iran”
Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson said on Monday that the U.S. government had since organized over two dozen charter flights carrying thousands of Americans.
More on Europe
Unknown Attackers Kill French Soldier in Erbil, Macron Says
11 sources compared
Unidentified Attacker Plants Explosive at U.S. Embassy Entrance in Oslo; Oslo Police Investigate Possible Terrorism
12 sources compared
U.S. and Israel Kill Iran's Supreme Leader, Trigger Regional War
49 sources compared
France Deploys Warships To Eastern Mediterranean After Drone Strike On Cyprus
11 sources compared