Official visit of Israeli Prime Minister to France (June 14-15, 2006)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehoud Olmert made an official visit to France on June 14 and 15, 2006. President Jacques Chirac had a meeting with him, followed by a luncheon, on June 14. Mr. Olmert also had a series of meetings with Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and Senate Speaker Christian Poncelet.
The Israeli prime minister participated in the inauguration of the Alley of the Righteous Gentiles at the Memorial de la Shoah with the prime minister and mayor of Paris. Mr. Olmert honored with his presence the dinner hosted by National Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debré, to be attended by the prime minister, in honor of the France-Israel Foundation. The foundation will explore innovative and creative approaches to deepening the partnership between France and Israel in all areas. Its efforts are expected to focus in particular on exchanges between civil society.
The visit came in the context of the high-level meetings that have been a feature of relations between France and Israel since the state visit to Paris by President Katsav in February 2004, the visit by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in July 2005 and the inauguration of the French “cultural season” in Tel Aviv by Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy on May 17. It reaffirmed the deep friendship between France and Israel and the French and Israeli peoples.
The visit also reflected the wish of both countries to pursue dialogue on questions of common interest, whether in regard to bilateral relations, developments in the Middle East or the large issues of peace and international security.
The ministers discussed in particular the Israeli-Palestinian question at what is a critical time. In this regard, our two countries have a common view on the objective of two states living side by side in peace and security. In order to achieve this, France was convinced that the only way to peace lies in a negotiated solution with the Palestinians within the framework of the roadmap. It presented this view to the Israeli prime minister and assured him of our full support and that of the European Union.
Preliminary statement by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, before his meeting with Mr. Ehud Olmert, Prime Minister of Israel (Paris, 14 June 2006)
Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome all the Israeli, French and foreign journalists. I am happy to extend a friendly greeting to the Prime Minister, Mr Olmert, on his first official visit to France. We're going to have talks, which I'm delighted about; these will essentially be marked by desire for a close dialogue on all the issues, be they bilateral, international or regional.
What the Israelis want clearly emerged from the last elections in Israel: peace and security. It's understandable, because this Israeli-Palestinian conflict really has gone on too long. Today it's essential to establish peace in that region, a peace which presupposes two States living side by side in security.
This objective – wholly desirable in every respect, particularly at a moment when there's a drift towards the resumption of violence – presupposes a resumption of the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. France and the European Union are wholly determined to make their contribution, doing the very utmost, to building this peace, a lasting peace enabling both parties to live together, peacefully.
It's in this spirit that I'm going to have the privilege of talking to the Prime Minister, to whom I extend, once again, the warmest of welcomes./.
Country: France, Israel
Subject: Assistance, Peace process
Publication Date: 15/06/2006