By NNN-KUNA,
Ramallah : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said that a lasting peace settlement had to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.
Sarkozy was addressing the Israeli Knesset Monday, calling for an end to Jewish settlement construction on Palestinian land.
On the first French state visit to Israel in 12 years, he said a peace agreement would allow the two peoples to live in peace and security. “There can be no peace without stopping settlement,” Sarkozy told members of the Knesset.
He encouraged Israel to support a proposal, “backed by many members of your Knesset”, for the adoption of a law that would encourage settlers to leave the West Bank in exchange for compensation and relocation in Israel.
The French president also called on Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinians’ movement within the West Bank.
He however acknowledged that “the Israeli people have the right to live in security”. “There can be no peace if Palestinians themselves do not combat terrorism,” he added.
He also vowed that France would staunchly repulse any attempt to destroy Israel, calling on the international community to strictly respond to Iranian nuclear development plans.
Sarkozy also told MPs that France would not accept a nuclear-armed Iran.
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert extolled the French leader’s support for Israel on significant and vital issues in spite of divergent views between both sides over some subjects.
He also told Knesset members Israeli-French historic relations had been improved since Sarkozy was elected as French president.