France says peace in Mideast 'indispensable'
AFP
AMMAN- French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie urged a resumption of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, saying peace in the Middle East is "indispensable."
"What is possible today might me impossible in a few months. That is why we must move forward," Alliot-Marie told reporters in Amman.
"France is committed to three principles: the creation of a Palestinians state, a guaranteed security for Israel and Jerusalem as the capital of two states with free access to holy places for all those who come to practise their religions," Alliot-Marie said.
"This is essential," she added.
The Palestinians have refused to take part in US-brokered direct talks with Israel since late September when Israel refused to extend a moratorium on settlement construction.
Alliot-Marie, who is on a regional tour, said in Tel Aviv on Thursday France would vote for a UN Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements drafted by Arab states if it was moderate and did not halt a resumption of peace talks.
"We are ready to go back to the negotiations once there are clear references in line with the 1967 borders," Maliki said.
"We are looking forward to seeing a Quartet meeting in February. We hope it will issue a clear and strong political declaration that would tackle the references for the peace talks with Israel," he added.
The Quartet's members -- Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations -- are to meet on February 5 in Munich, Germany.
In an interview with the Palestinian daily Al-Quds newspaper, Alliot-Marie reaffirmed that the European Union views the 1967 Palestinian borders as the basis on which to conduct peace talks.
"The European Union reaffirmed its position very clearly in December 2009, indicating it would not recognise any modification of the 1967 borders unless it was agreed by both parties, including east Jerusalem," she said.
She also reiterated France's commitment to seeing through the creation of an independent Palestinian state by the end of this year.
Alliot-Marie, who met with her Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh on Saturday, will hold talks with King Abdullah II on Sunday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------