World
Macron to push for peace
Emmanuel Macron announced he will do his best to promote a two-state solution
August 31, 2017 09:24
Emmanuel Macron announced he will do his best to promote a two-state solution
August 31, 2017 09:24The French president has said he will help broker a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
Emmanuel Macron announced that his trip to the Middle East next year will include a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, where he will do his best to promote a two-state solution.
Speaking to a gathering of 170 French ambassadors on Tuesday he said: “We will continue our efforts with the United Nations to find a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living safely side-by-side within borders recognized by the international community, with Jerusalem at the capital of both states.”
Mr Macron said the aim of his foreign policy was to combat "Islamist terrorism" and place national security at the centre of France's diplomatic activity.
He promised his ambassadors France would be focusing on solutions to world problems, such as negotiating peace talks in Libya and tackling Europe's migrant crisis.
He said: "I want France to propose solutions and initiatives when there are new crises.
"The fight against Islamist terrorism is the priority of France's foreign policy. France's security is the main purpose of our diplomacy."
According to Haaretz, during a meeting in Paris last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Mr Macron he was doubtful about the attempts to broker peace being made by America.
Mr Macron is said to have told Mr Netanyahu that he supports Donald Trump’s attempts to achieve peace in the region.
He also told Mr Netanyahu that Israel’s settlement-building plans have made peace harder to achieve.
Mr Macron will also visit Lebanon and Jordan as part of his trip.
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