By NNN-KUNA
Cairo : French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday reassured Arab countries concerned about his strong ties with Israel by asking Israel to make peace gestures, while taking a tough stance with Syria.
This came during his meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on his first official visit to the Middle East since assuming office in May.
He said his country would have no more contact with Syria until Damascus shows a willingness to let Lebanon end its long-running political crisis and find a new president.
He said: “France will have no more contact with Syria… until we have proof of Syrian willingness to let Lebanon appoint a president by consensus.” He added that his country “wants a president for Lebanon,” he said. “It’s time to provide proof (of goodwill), it’s time for Syria to show it.” Sarkozy urged Israel to make gestures to show its commitment to peace with the Palestinians.
“I’ve said several times… that it’s time for Israel to make gestures which would show that peace is possible, including ending settlements” in the occupied West Bank, Sarkozy said.
“Our position (on Israel) is unchanging, being a friend doesn’t mean being complacent.”