De Villepin holds West Bank talks
French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin met Palestinian leaders in the West Bank today and reiterated his country’s commitment to help the Palestinians get an independent state.
He said Israel’s acceptance of the US-backed road map was a “good opportunity for everyone,” and called on Israel to “freeze their colonisation”. He also called on the Palestinians to end the violence.
De Villepin also met veteran Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, despite Israeli objections.
A week ago, Israel said its officials would not meet diplomats who see Arafat. Israel is boycotting Arafat, charging that he is involved in Palestinian terrorism. Palestinians have denied the charge.
Israeli officials said the new policy would not be applied retroactively, noting that De Villepin’s schedule was set before the decision.
