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Netanyahu to Sarkozy: “Jerusalem must stay unified under Israeli sovereignty with access to the holy sites for all religions.”
20/12
Chairman of the opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu met, last Thursday, with the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, in Paris. The meeting was friendly, warm and comprehensive (Source: site publisher).

Several topics arose in the conversation. Netanyahu explained his theory regarding the subject of the Palestinians, and said that he was in favor of the administration of negotiations. On the topic of the end of the calm in Gaza, Netanyahu said that Israel cannot accept a situation in which rockets shoot at its territory on a daily basis, and that the state is obliged to move from a situation of passivity to activism, from weakness to strength, and restore its ability of deterrence (Source: site publisher).
Netanyahu presented his economic interests as an integral part of the peace process. On Iran, Netanyahu noted that the financial crisis has made Iran a stronger threat, and that it is necessary that nations in Europe, such as France, to work in cooperation with the United States. The two men spoke on how they could all reach a common goal regarding the matter of Iran, and on how to prevent Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons. Several suggestions were raised in the conversation on how to achieve this goal. On the topic of Syria, Netanyahu explained that because of Israel's security needs, Israel must retain the Golan Heights.
On the topic of Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that in his opinion, at this moment we will not reach an agreement regarding Jerusalem and refugees: "I believe that Jerusalem must remain unified under Israeli sovereignty with access for all religions to their holy sites, and we will oppose the return of any refugees to Israel's borders."
Sarkozy showed understanding and interest in Netanyahu's plan and promised his support in any process that will lead to peace and strengthen the relationship between Israel and the Palestinians, and pledged to Netanyahu his full support if it is necessary to the plan's implementation. Sarkozy said that France and all friendly states will support any move to promote peace and added that if Netanyahu is elected, he will support and help him.
After the meeting between Netanyahu with President Sarkozy, another meeting with Foreign Minister Bernard Kushner progressed. The two discussed the arming of Iran, Lebanon, Hezbollah and Hamas.
Earlier, Netanyahu met with the mayor of the 16th quarter of Paris, Joas Jean, where a large picture of Gilad Shalit was mounted at the entrance to the office. In the afternoon, chairman of the Likud met with France's minister of Finance, Christine Lagarde, who promised her help in raising funds for promoting joint projects for peace.
Uzi Arad, and Meir Habib, vice president of the Jewish community of Paris also participated in the meeting between Netanyahu and Sarkozy.
At the conclusion of the meeting between Chairman of the opposition, and the French president, Sarkozy accompanied Netanyahu to the entrance of the city, the Champs Elysees, and hugged.





