PARIS, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- The new rulers of the "Arab Spring" countries should respect the rules of democracy, mainly power rotation, political pluralism and guaranteeing minorities' rights, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday.
Addressing foreign ambassadors and diplomatic missions here, Sarkozy said the new leaders should be given enough time to show their respect of democratic rules and their societies' diversity.
The French President rapped the Quartet peace group's failure to organize peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis according to clear-cut timetable, mechanisms and guarantees.
He called for expanding Quartet membership to include new world players.
Sarkozy reiterated his country's support for the creation of an independent, democratic, viable.
Palestinians are waiting for a long time to see the birth of their state, he said.
The French President also defended France's support for Palestine's accession to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
How can France oppose Palestine joining an educational organization that serve peace?, he wondered.
He also underscored France's firm commitment to Israel's security, saying that France will never accept any threat to Israel and its existence.
Israel's creation in the mid-twentieth century represents an important stage in the history of the world, he added.
Meanwhile, Sarkozy disclosed Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki will visit France next month.
He added that France is ready to offer all support to Tunisia to help prove the democratic transition successful.
Sarkozy underlined his country's support for Lebanon, saying that France would not allow any party to influence or threaten Lebanese sovereignty, whether from inside or abroad.
He noted that France has troops in Lebanon under the umbrella of the United Nations for About 30 years.
Anyone attacks French soldiers will bear the consequences, he warned.
Sarkozy cautioned that Iraq is risking return to the state of communal tensions and fighting and Yemen is facing major challenges in its democratic transition.
He stressed the need for defending the rights of Christian minorities in the Middle East.
Christians are part of Middle East's treasure and France and will stand by them firmly, Sarkozy said.
The French President expressed hopes 2012 would witness the revival of the Union for the Mediterranean. (end) tm.ibi KUNA 202108 Jan 12NNNN