France backs Bush peace drive
04/06/2003 - 10:58:23France backed US President George Bush’s new drive for peace in the Middle East today, saying it was a historic opportunity that must not be missed.
“We are delighted and applaud the re-engagement of the United States in the region,” Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said.
“The Palestinians have committed themselves to the path of peace, Arab nations are moving along the same path and Israel has accepted the road map.
“These are exceptional circumstances,” he said. “There is a historic chance - it must be seized upon.”
De Villepin also indicated he would like to see a greater European Union role in peace talks.
“Europe carries a lot of weight – it is Israel’s biggest trading partner and the largest aid donor to the Palestinian territories,” he said.
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