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del.icio.us Digg It!  new When leaders fall in love, so do the people By Daniel Ben Simon Tags: Ehud Olmert, Israel, France  PARIS - An Israeli diplomat who sat in on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he could not remember a more jovial and affable conversation between an Israeli head of state and his French counterpart. The suspicions and tensions that loomed large over many similar meetings in the past had vanished. The diplomat added that the two related to each other as though they were representing sister states. "Sarkozy did not hide his great support for Israel and openly expressed how impressed he was by the young country's achievements," the diplomat said. Throughout his presidential campaign, Sarkozy unabashedly declared he was an admirer of Israel. To his inner circle he spoke of a real affinity and on the occasion of his acceptance speech of his party's candidacy for president he described his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial as one of the two most important events in his life. Advertisement In a country where the president is treated with god-like reverence, his thoughts and statements have a huge influence on his people. Political commentators are certain that the president's special regard for Israel will soon seep down into the general public and influence how the French see Israel. "I don't remember such a demonstrably friendly statement by a president toward Israel in the history of modern France," said French lawmaker Jean-Francois Cope as I met him on the steps of the National Assembly. Cope, 43, was elected half a year ago as the leader of the parliament's ruling party. Strange as it may sound, Cope's National Assembly is one of the few governmental institutions that have managed to reject multiculturalism: None of its 577 members is foreign-born. They are all white and French through and through. Not one of the millions of immigrants from West Africa and North Africa that have moved to France over the last six decades has been elected as a representative. In this context, Sarkozy launched a French Revolution of sorts when he named Rachida Dati, a Muslim whose parents were born in Algeria and Morocco, as justice minister, as well as appointing two other descendants of immigrants to high-ranking positions. "It is obvious we cannot let this absurd situation continue," Cope declared. "The riots of autumn 2005 taught us that we have to make fundamental changes to assimilate immigrants." Back to the subject of Israel, Cope says that the improvement in French-Israeli relations began during Ariel Sharon's second term as prime minister. "Who would have believed France and Israel would see eye-to-eye on the problems of the Middle East?" he said. A French diplomat talking on condition of anonymity said the French were rediscovering Israel, and Israel was rediscovering France. "The music sounded by France is very pleasing to Israel, particularly on the Iranian issue. We see eye-to-eye on the issue of Iran nuclear armament," he said. Israel's ambassador to France, Daniel Shek, also sounded upbeat about the warming of relations. "I wouldn't say there was a fundamental shift on the basic policies of France toward Israel, but the tone has certainly changed," the ambassador said. "Sarkozy is stating clearly and openly that he is pro-Israel, pro-America and against Iran. What more can you ask for?" Sarkozy himself will visit Israel next May. He will be preceded by a visit by President Shimon Peres to Paris. On that occasion, cavalry in full military dress will lead Peres' motorcade down the Champs-Elysees as he makes his way to Elysee Palace; the display of fanfare being France's way of marking a new era in the relations between the two countries. Bookmark to del.icio.us Humanitarian Crisis The Red Cross says conditions have worsened in Palestinian areas. 'Sacred basin' At Camp David, Israel pushed for a body to ensure religious freedom in J'lem for all.   1.   Sarkozy-Little Peacock 23:59  |  Francophile 30/11/07   2.   Friendship and politics don`t mix 06:26  |  Natallie Durson 01/12/07   3.   re: 1. Sarkozy-Little Peacock 06:46  |  Christoper Grell 01/12/07   4.   Francophile 07:00  |  mich 01/12/07   5.   To "Francophile" 11:12  |  Jean-Paul DOGUET 01/12/07   6.   To "Francophile" (2) 13:24  |  Jean-Paul DOGUET 01/12/07   7.   Sarkozy, A friend to Israel (for a change) 13:59  |  Petra 01/12/07   8.   Francophile 19:25  |  Jason_M 01/12/07   9.   frances pres. likes israel-perhaps the riots opened his eyes? 16:19  |  yahn goodey 02/12/07   10.   Praise God for good friends, they are His gift!!! 17:56  |  Virginia 03/12/07   11.   French North Africa 11:11  |  Ben Azai 06/12/07   12.   Gay rights 05:28  |  Alex 07/12/07   13.   French North Africa 16:06  |  Ninee 14/12/07

Today Online Israel, U.S. to discuss their differering assessments on Iran Responses: 47 Ruth Meisels: No commandment for Jewish sovereignty in Jerusalem Responses: 56 Lisa Goldman: Law applied capriciously over my Lebanon trip Responses: 8 Yossi Sarid: Angela Merkel is antithesis of Hillary Clinton Responses: 13 Yoel Marcus: There are no Israeli politicians to rely on Responses: 15 Rosner: Should U.S. Jews have voice in shaping Israel policy? Responses: 9 More Headlines 15:27 Cabinet declares 'special situation' in Sderot 15:31 At least 3 dead, 30 hurt in explosion at Gaza funeral 13:41 Israel, U.S. to meet to discuss differing assessments on Iran 15:46 Top Fatah official abducted by Hamas gunmen in Gaza Strip 15:58 Move afoot to put late Moroccan king as righteous gentile 13:56 Abbas to blast Israel for building in settlements, E. Jerusalem 09:02 Criminal charges could topple Ashkenazi chief rabbi from office 13:12 Physical Education teacher dies during Haifa high-school class 13:11 Taxi driver abducted by Palestinians, rescued by IDF 04:34 Government officials: Har Homa row sparked by 'two bureaucrats' Previous Editions Select Day 13 dec 12 dec 11 dec 10 dec 09 dec 07 dec 06 dec 05 dec 04 dec 03 dec 02 dec 30 nov

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