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18:22 GMT
PARIS, Dec 10 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday to freeze Jewish settlement construction and to launch "courageous" initiatives to break the deadlock with the Palestinians.
Macron, at a joint news conference with Netanyahu following their talks, said he spoke with the Israeli premier about freezing of settlements and "take confidence-building measures towards the Palestinian Authority."
France, he said, "believes the only solution that is in line with the international law is the establishment of two states living side-by-side in peace." This can only happen through negotiations, he added.
Macron reiterated rejection to US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, saying the move violated international law and undermined the peace process.
Macron also condemned the "hostile acts and attacks against Israel in the recent hours and days."
Netanyahu said Israel's capital could not be any other city but Jerusalem.
He said Trump's decision was "very important."
This is Netanyahu's first official visit aborad since Trump announced his decision regarding Jerusalem. (end)
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