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Sarkozy: To achieve peace, we need to talk with Assad By Barak Ravid "If we do not talk with [Syrian President Bashar] Assad there will not be peace in the Middle East," French President Nicolas Sarkozy told President Shimon Peres yesterday. Sarkozy is on an official three -day visit to Israel, accompanied by his spouse, Carla Bruni. The French president landed in Israel yesterday afternoon and was welcomed in an official ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Advertisement "In all my meeting with the French president I have encountered a deep understanding for the security needs of the State of Israel and the complex challenges it faces, as well as a personal, strong and unconditional commitment to Israel's security and the preservation of its qualitative edge in the region," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said during his welcome speech. The first scheduled meeting for the French president was at the residence of President Peres in Jerusalem. Serious traffic congestion delayed his arrival by nearly an hour. Waiting for them, along with Peres, was a children's choir which sang "Hallelujah." Sarkozy exhibited great warmth for the elderly statesman. "My dear Shimon, you are the roots of Israel and I thank you for hosting us," he said. After signing the residence's official guest book, Sarkozy added: "Shimon, do you know that Carla now signs with a new name?" He was pointing out that Carla Bruni had adopted Sarkozy into her official family name. During their meeting on diplomatic affairs, Sarkozy stressed that the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority should progress. "Those who will make peace in the end will be Israelis and Palestinians," the French president said. "Only the Jewish people who have suffered so much know and understand how important it is for the Palestinians to establish a state of their own," Sarkozy added. Referring to the settlements, Sarkozy said that, "I am a true friend of Israel and have never been ashamed of it, but it must be said loudly - the decision to build in East Jerusalem is not good for Israel." On the question of Iran, Sarkozy described it as a matter of primary importance for the entire world "and Israel is not alone in this matter. We will protect Israel and we will stand by your side." Peres discussed Syria with Sarkozy and applauded him for inviting Syrian President Bashar Assad to a meeting of the Mediterranean nations in Paris on July 13. "I do not know if Assad and Olmert will sit at the same table but this is an important process," Peres said. "Tell Assad that he needs to learn from [former Egyptian president Anwar] Sadat and come to Jerusalem for face-to-face talks with Olmert." Sarkozy agreed and said that, "I intend to mention this to Assad during our meeting the day before the conference." The French president noted that, "In addition to negotiations, there needs to be a change of mentality in Syria." 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.

Read & React Shmuel Rosner: Why do U.S. non-Jews back Israel? Responses: 265 IDF: Israel may declare two soldiers captured by Hezbollah 'killed in action' Responses: 81 Amir Oren: Israel may conclude that it's time to hit Iran by autumn Responses: 140 Sarkozy: There won't be Middle East peace without Syria talks Responses: 60 Haaretz.com TV: East J'lem Arabs pay taxes, lack running water Responses: 38 More Headlines 22:25 IDF: Israel may declare two soldiers captured by Hezbollah killed in action 21:11 High Court rejects Shalit family bid to keep Gaza crossings shut 21:13 Labor MKs vote in favor of backing bill to dissolve Knesset 22:24 Ex-IDF chief: Sometimes hostages must be sacrificed if ransom is too high 20:09 London summit focuses on plight of Jewish refugees from Arab states 21:26 Defense lawyer: Teen murder suspect suffers from 'acute' mental problem 01:13 McCain disavows aide comment that terror attack would help GOP 22:27 Sarkozy to Knesset: A nuclear Iran is intolerable 16:53 Poll: 77% of Israeli Arabs would rather live in Israel than in any other country in the world 11:36 Police off to U.S. to quiz Olmert's son, others in corruption probe 18:59 High Court rejects petition asking to ban Jerusalem Gay Pride parade 13:52 Official in Tehran: Israel is incapable of threatening Iran 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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