French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla we guests in Knesset on Monday, with the French leader addressing the plenum.

Mr. Sarkozy stated France is a friend of Israel and will remain at Israel’s side if her security is threatened. He added France absolutely opposes a nuclear Iran and vowed to continue and step up pressure towards halting Iran’s nuclear program.

The president stated Israel must know she is not alone in the against “Iran’s nuclear ambitions”.

Making reference to the PA, the French leader stated that a Palestinian state and a divided Jerusalem serving as capital for both countries is a necessary step towards peace. He stated that a Palestinian state will ultimately provide additional security for Israel.

The issues of “Palestinian refugees” and construction “in East Jerusalem and the West Bank” must be addressed, calling them “key sticking points,” and calling on Israel to “encourage legislation that would make it worthwhile for settler to leave the West Bank”.

The French president received a standing ovation.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)