Sarkozy: To achieve peace, we need to talk with Assad

"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.

"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."