French FM: I came to Israel pessimistic and left optimistic
Prior to his visit, Kouchner said France fears that Israel no longer wants peace with the Palestinians.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Middle East peace Israel newsFrench Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said that only the creation of a democratic Palestinian state will ensure Israel's security, Army radio reported on Saturday.
Kouchner, who visited Israel this week and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, told a French newspaper, "Netanyahu has changed. He now supports a Palestinian state."
"I came to Israel pessimistic and I left optimistic after talks with Israeli leaders," Kouchner was also quoted as saying.
Regarding negotiations with Iran over its contested nuclear program, Kouchner said, "The Iranians are shooting themselves in the foot. It is unacceptable for Iran to develop nuclear weapons."
Prior to his visit, the French foreign minister said France feared that Israel no longer desires a Middle East peace deal, and that Paris remained deeply opposed to settlement building in the West Bank.
"It seems to me, and I hope that I am completely wrong, that this desire has completely vanished, as though people no longer believe in it," he told France Inter radio.
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If Netanyahu has changed, it would be well to demonstrate that with action. Rhetoric alone has no value considering the history of Jewish settlement expansion and the treatment of the Palestinians. A trust has to be developed. (1) The Israeli government could let Palestinians freely use the highways built for exclusive Israeli use throughout the West Bank. (2) Settlements could be opened up for Palestinian occupancy. (3) Checkpoints within the West Bank could be closed or removed. (4) Palestinian family reunification could be allowed. (5) The Wall and taking of Palestinian land could be stopped. (6) The IDF could withdraw and let the PA take more control. Until there is a demonstration of good faith by Israel, Palestine would be coming to negotiations with a submissive posture with little hope.
Great talk..let's see some action.. The enregy and money required is exhausting and now in limited supply. USA will not indefinitely sponsor Israel without the government working actively for the peace process.
Well, nobody really expect anything from you Kouchner. Well, perhaps pro-zionist propaganda.