Date : 20/01/2012
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)
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