The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

French President supports two-state solution in Middle East

Macron said any deal "must recognise the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to have an independent state, but also ensure Israel's security".

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas prior to their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on July 5, 2017

Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time, Macron said any deal "must recognise the legitimate rights of the Palestinians to have an independent state, but also ensure Israel's security".

"There is no viable alternative to a two-state solution," he said, adding "but today this solution is under threat both on the ground and in people's minds."

The UN reported in June that Israel had announced a substantial increase in settlements in the past three months despite a United Nations resolution demanding a halt to the Jewish outposts in occupied Palestinian territory.

ADVERTISEMENT

Macron said that "France has always condemned the continuation of settlement building, which is illegal under international law, and has reached an unprecedented level since the beginning of the year".

His comments come after Donald Trump called on Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace, saying he was "personally committed" to helping Israel reach a deal with the Palestinians.

Speaking during a trip to the Middle East in May, the US President did not specifically mention the two-state solution, long the focus of international efforts and US Middle East diplomacy.

Both Macron and Abbas said they would support Trump in his efforts to end the impasse.

President Abbas reaffirmed his wish to "work with Donald Trump to conclude a historic peace agreement based on a two-state solution".

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Marianne Kitany tactfully speaks on whether Ruto should fire her ex, CS Linturi

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

Gov't & opposition officials clash at Rita Tinina's burial ceremony

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

CS Murkomen unveils new number plates for cars that will get preferential treatment

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

Moi University students escape through windows after road crash

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

57,000 civil servants to have their rent reviewed upwards

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Interesting story of U.S. Army Specialist Wambui who comes from a military family

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

Heroic GSU officer dies after jumping out of a taxi along Thika Super Highway

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

DJ Joe Mfalme detained for 14 more days

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

Explosive blows up hotel next to police station, deaths reported

ADVERTISEMENT