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Last update - 17:40 22/06/2008 Parisian option By Editorial Tags: Shimon Peres, France, Israel  Rarely has a European dignitary been received in Israel with the warmth and fanfare that await French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Never has there been a leader of the Fifth Republic as supportive of Israel, as many in Jerusalem believe, and it seems that the cliche "one of our closest allies" is uttered this time with much sincerity and deep conviction. What does Sarkozy possess that justifies such excitement? First of all, the French president stresses his full commitment to Israel's security, to rooting out anti-Semitism in his country, and his opposition to Iran's attempts at nuclear armament. During his visit, he is likely to focus on key economic and scientific matters as part of a diplomatic push for the expected upgrade of Israel's relations with the European Union. Beginning next month, France assumes the rotating presidency of the EU. "Sarko," as he is affectionately called in Israel's corridors of power, has also enthusiastically supported the Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal project and the "Peace Valley" initiative introduced by his colleague Shimon Peres. Yet Sarkozy's love for Israel is not backed up by a coherent Mideast policy. As long as France adopts a policy that can be labeled with a word that comes to us from French, "zigzag," the on-again romance between Paris and Jerusalem will remain short and end bitterly, much like the love stories featured in the (outstanding) songs written by his wife. Advertisement During his election campaign, Sarkozy promised "to do what he says and to say what he does," clarifying his view that "France will not compromise on matters related to protecting democracy and respecting human rights." The lofty respect with which he received Libyan President Muammar Gadhafi during the latter's visit to Paris last December is a first indication that, much like his predecessors, there is a gap between Sarkozy's words and deeds. Sarkozy's France has demonstrated an active interest in regional conflicts, particularly the crisis in Lebanon. These efforts are worthy of praise, especially the French suggestion to facilitate a meeting between the Israeli prime minister and the Syrian president during next month's Mediterranean Union summit in Paris. France has also contributed to the resolution of the Lebanese political crisis, even though the end result provided Hezbollah with veto power and served to solidify Syria's position in the Land of the Cedars. And yet, even in this situation, we have not heard the French demand that UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 or 1701 be implemented, which mandate that Hezbollah decommission its weapons. Has France decided to eschew UN resolutions that it itself insisted on? Even its position vis-a-vis Hamas has generated controversy. Officially, France views Hamas as "a terrorist organization that cannot be a party to dialogue with the international community." Yet recent reports have indicated that a retired senior diplomat was dispatched in April to Gaza, where he met with Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud Zahar. This won't happen again, Sarkozy promised Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during a visit to Paris. Would it not have been more logical to set a clear policy on Hamas and the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip? During a time when a new administration is set to assume power in the United States, Sarkozy's France can play the role of global superpower, and not just a temporary one. It can advance the Israeli-Syrian track and expedite the discussions over the question of Shaba Farms and the drawing of a permanent border between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. France can also encourage the implementation of the Arab peace initiative and raise its voice fearlessly against the Iranian nuclear threat. To assume the complex role that it has sought for itself in the Middle East, France will be required to stake out a position rooted in principle, moral legitimacy and strategic clarity. This will require great courage on its part. Welcome to Jerusalem, Sarko. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Justice for Jews London summit focuses on plight of Jewish refugees from Arab states. No place like home Poll: 77% of Israeli Arabs would rather live in Israel than in any other country.   1.   No surprise 15:22  |  Joseph 22/06/08   2.   I`ve begun to boycott France 17:58  |  christoph 22/06/08   3.   @ Christoph 22:31  |  Benjamin 22/06/08   4.   # 3 Benjamin 23:34  |  Motic 22/06/08   5.   #3 Motic 00:12  |  Pariou 23/06/08   6.   Parisian option 02:57  |  Francois 23/06/08   7.   an alternative point of view 04:53  |  fred 23/06/08   8.   Sarko is a joke 00:33  |  Bob 24/06/08   9.   Benjamin, Pariou 20:49  |  B 24/06/08

Read & React Cabinet to vote Sun. on Hezbollah deal, says wife of abducted soldier Responses: 222 Editorial: We must pay the high price for the return of Gilad Shalit Responses: 82 Gaza truce shaken as four Qassams slam in Negev Responses: 136 Israel monitoring French nuclear deals with Arab world Responses: 38 Poll: 77% of Israeli Arabs would rather live in Israel than in any other country Responses: 197 More Headlines 20:59 Cabinet to vote Sun. on Hezbollah deal, says wife of abducted soldier 19:57 Border Policeman dies from self-inflicted shot at Sarkozy farewell 21:06 Gaza truce shaken as four Qassams slam into west Negev 21:12 Olmert: Israel mulling response to renewed Qassam fire 19:50 VIDEO: Two years after his kidnap, U.S. kids read Gilad Shalit's tale of co-existence 20:33 World Wealth Report: People in Israel get richer faster 18:46 Religion is not very important to American Jews 21:04 'Shai Dromi' home invasion bill passes plenum vote 17:39 Ahmadinejad: World leaders behind sanctions must stand trial 12:07 Arab World nuclear race / Who has what, and from where 14:49 Egypt: Gaza crossing will remain shut until Shalit deal reached 18:53 Hamas prisoners freed in West Bank, despite PA pledge to Israel 20:57 Lawyers ask Spanish court to charge 4 alleged ex-guards at Nazi camps Previous Editions Select Day 23 jun 22 jun 20 jun 19 jun 18 jun 17 jun 16 jun 15 jun 13 jun 12 jun 11 jun 10 jun

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