By RFIPalled on 23-07-2019Modified on 23-07-2019 at 00:12

The French head of state received at the Elysee President Azali Assoumani, Monday, July 22. During a press conference, they notably returned to the dispute that divides them: Mayotte.

Faced with the press and in the presence of several elected officials, the French head of state reaffirmed Monday: Mayotte is part of France.

" Mayotte is French, for us. This is not recognized as such by the Union of the Comoros. Its population has made clear several times on this point. And France is deeply attached, respects the right of peoples to self-determination. "

►Also read: Mayotte in 10 key dates: colonization, departmentalization and social crisis

Pronouncements made with reference to the referendum of 1974. Mayotte had then decided to remain French. A wish renewed two years later in 1976. But still contested by the President of the Comoros.

" I must complete President Macron on the question of Mayotte. He said that Mayotte is French. But for us, Mayotte is Comorian, recalls Azali Assoumani. (...) Errors were made on both sides. What we are doing now, the dialogue, we should have done a little before. We did not do it. But better late than never. "

Since 2011, Mayotte has become the 101st French department. The United Nations has repeatedly condemned Paris in this regard, denouncing in the past " a violation of national unity " and " territorial integrity " of the Republic of Comoros.

Despite this persistent disagreement, the two heads of state say they are determined to move forward together in the interest of their respective countries.

Emmanuel Macron and Azali Assoumani announced the signing of a framework agreement to support the development of Comoros. The text provides for French aid up to 150 million euros over three years.

LIVE | Press conference with Azzali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros. https://t.co/CIViebWW02

Elysee (@Elysee) July 22, 2019

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