Has Chirac Had an Epiphany?
American Future
By Marc Schulman on France
In an interview with Haaretz occasioned by Prime Minister Sharon's visit to Paris, Chirac had some surprising things to say.
On Iran:
I hope that [the European negotiations with Iran] will succeed and eliminate the danger of the proliferation of nuclear weapons. If this does not prove to be the case, it will, of course, be necessary to transfer the handling [of the Iranian problem] to the UN Security Council.
On Israel:
I wish to convey my profound admiration and friendship I feel toward the State of Israel and the Israeli people - a great people of tradition and culture, which is looking to the future. In welcoming Prime Minister Sharon to Paris, France is sending its friend, Israel, a message of trust: A profound belief that peace is possible, a desire to contribute to the peace, an aspiration to be Israel's top-ranked partner politically, economically, and culturally, in keeping with the depth of the ties uniting our peoples and in accordance with the lofty mission assigned to both peoples because of their common heritage.
On Palestinian terrorism:
nothing can justify terror . . . We understand well [Israel's contention with Palestinian terrorism], and we have always condemned the acts of terror of which Israelis are the victims.
Hamas is a terrorist organization that cannot be an interlocutor of the international community, as long as it does not renounce violence and does not recognize Israel's right to exist. This is the unambiguous position of the EU and it will not change.
Is this a new, improved Chirac? |
