Havana, June 3, (RHC), – French foreign minister Laurent Fabius described as unfair, unilateral and irrational the 10-billion-dollar fine that Washington intends to impose on BNP Paribas bank for the alleged violation of the US economic sanctions against countries such as Cuba, Sudan and Iran.

The sum imposed by US authorities is unreasonable and poses a very serious problem, Fabius told French television. He said that such fine could have a devastating effect on French economy, in case it is confirmed.

The foreign minister said that the French government will defend the interest of the BNP Paribas bank before US authorities.

Observers say that the issue could be on the menu of a schedule dinner scheduled for presidents Francois Holland and Barack Obama, on Thursday, on the eve of celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the 1944 Allied Normandy Landings.

Ministers, former government officials and analysts have expressed their rejection of the US sanction against the French bank.