France has not issued travel ban

France has not issued travel ban

The government of France vowed on Wednesday that it would not
restrict its citizens from traveling to Indonesia despite a
string of strong travel warnings already issued by several other
countries in the aftermath of the devastating Bali attack.

"Some countries have taken drastic measures, urging their
citizens to leave Indonesia, banning them from traveling to
Indonesia, but we are pleased to say that it is not our
approach," French Ambassador to Indonesia Herve Lasdous told
reporters during a press conference at his office here.

France has issued what is considered a lower level advisory
for its citizens in Indonesia, not quite as severe in its
language as other countries.

According to Lasdous, terrorism is a global problem, and the
terrorism threats exist in many places, not just in Indonesia.

Thus, the French government has decided not to issue a travel
ban or require French people in Indonesia to leave the country,
said Lasdous.

Lasdous took the opportunity to clarify his government's
position just days after Indonesia and other Southeast Asian
countries urged developed countries to revoke their travel
warnings into the region. --JP