LOC21:46
18:46 GMT
PARIS, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy said here
Wednesday that the establishment of a Palestinian State was the best way to
guarantee Israel's security and he called for European Union to unite
positions on a Palestinian bid for statehood recognition to be submitted at
the UN General Assembly next month.
Speaking to a meeting of France's global ambassadors, the French leader
said that peace would not come without a Palestinian State and this would
ensure Israel's security.
"Any other choice is a folly for Israel," the French President told the
ambassadors' corp.
"The parameters (of a peace agreement) are known," he said.
He also urged the 27-nation European Union to close ranks and find a common
position on the controversial Palestinian recognition demand, which has split
the EU and has met with a hostile reaction from Israel and the United States.
"Not matter what the result, we will have a peace process to build,"
Sarkozy insisted.
He criticized the approach to negotiations at the present time and he said
the process had not worked.
"The method of negotiations is not the right one," he remarked, adding that
there must be a move "to enlarge the circle of negotiators."
He pointed out that the EU was Israel's largest trading partner and the
biggest financial backer of the Palestinians and it should have a place at the
negotiating table.
"Europe does not have to ask for a back seat... it is a partner in the
negotiations," he affirmed.
He also said that the US role in the negotiations was "essential" and
unquestionable, but he urged that Europe, also, play its full role. (end)
jk.hb
KUNA 312146 Aug 11NNNN