Interview: French Ambassador to Israel

[Semsem]

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satelli...=1090294688458

Here is the link to the interview with the French Ambassador to Israel. He seems to be a good guy. However he is full of BS.

He says that France and Israel are "family." Mmmmm for who does he exactly take us for? He says he never heard an antisemitic comment ever made in France. Mmmm I remember comments when I lived in Lyon and I still remember watching as a kid De Gaulle's famous speach on TV when he called the Jews an "arragant people."

He cannot understand why Israel is furious at the ruling of the International Court of Injustice.

The article is too long to post (6 pages) so just click on the link.

[Mediocrates]

Too long to waste time on horsesh++++T that's for sure. I wonder if they get their Tourists Tips for Jews information from the Iranian news agency?

[Olivier]

ambassadors have a tough job nowaday

the present israeli ambassador in Paris, Nissim Zvili is very good.

Before him Elie Barnavi, an historian was really amazing, I heard him many times with admiration.



Israel always sends quality men as ambassador to france, unlike the US who select amongst the guys who payed the most for the campaign, but often have little competence.

[Olivier]

Some interesting points from this interview

how do you assess your experience since you arrived in Israel?
(..)

There remains the peace problem, with a situation that has evolved. Somehow, even if it may surprise Israelis, the situation has improved because there are no longer any Arab enemies. In fact, Israel is living in peace, real peace or de facto peace, with all the surrounding Arab countries, especially in the wake of the Iraq invasion. The current conflict can be clearly defined as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We live in a time where there is a feeling that peace has never been so close, and at the same time, never so far away. Close because the summits in Camp David and Taba allowed to draw the outlines of peace, and at the same time far away because today both parties seem incapable of sitting at the negotiating table


What problems did you face upon your arrival?

Relations between France and Israel are as impassioned as ever. There is a problem at the heart of this relationship, a clearly fundamental problem: anti-Semitism.

It is normal that the State of Israel, by definition and in all legitimacy, is entitled to worry about the security of Diaspora Jewry, especially that of Jews in France and in Europe. A dialogue over this matter was therefore necessary. I think that the Israeli authorities are now convinced of the French government's determination to combat anti-Semitism. Jerusalem and Paris are in total agreement on this issue. As to public opinion on the matter, the reality of the situation is far more difficult to explain.

And what are the expectations of this community? On what level do you fight for the French-speaking community with regards to the Israeli authorities?

The French-speaking population is divided in two entities. There is that part of the community with whom the Embassy is in contact. These groups consist mostly of elderly people or people who do not speak Hebrew, people who may expect more from their embassy.

On the other hand, there are the new immigrants who integrate fast and well and who rapidly become Israelis of French origin. These people don't really need us; they live and are happy in Israel. The only message I try to relay to them is "Teach your kids French.".

What are your connections to Israeli politicians? Do you see them only on a professional basis?

With Israelis, one can always have straightforward and friendly relations. It is important for me to maintain relations with the entire political spectrum. It's true that by tradition, the Left is more open to diplomats, that a relationship tends to unfold more easily with this milieu. However, it is also my duty to form ties with members of the government majority. Here, relations are easy. Kindness, openness and straightforwardness are always forthcoming.

What is the aim of your mission in Israel?

I have my own Road Map France and Israel both decided in December 2003 to improve their bilateral relations. My mission is therefore very clear.

What does the French government think of the decision of the International Court of Justice?

Allow me a personal remark. I was surprised to see the impact of the ICJ's ruling in the Israeli media. The ICJ didn't say that there shouldn't be a fence; it said: there shouldn't be a fence on Palestinian territory – meaning that if Israel builds its fence along the Green Line, there's no problem. And sometimes, I get the impression that some people intentionally ignore this slight difference.

Now getting back to France, what is going on there? Is the government concerned?

First, the phenomenon of the rise of anti-Semitic acts can be seen throughout Europe, and not just in France. True, with 60% of the Jews of Western Europe living in France, this is a problem that affects our country particularly. We are facing a European problem, not a Jewish problem. We have to ensure the integration of Muslim minorities in democratic life, and if we fail, then our entire society will be in a state of crisis. This is a source of great concern. It's a complex problem because those responsible are usually idle teenagers who have no criminal record.

[Mediocrates]

Yes yes odd little gangs of youthful offenders, playfully burning synagogues, pay it no mind.

Allow me to summarize the other main points.

1 Israel has no right to feel threatened by anyone. "There are no longer any arab enemies."

2 France cannot explain the reality of antisemitism in France and will not until Israel first passes all public statements through the French government.

3 French olim are abandoned by France.

4 Diplomatically France will maintain most ties with Labor regardless of who is actually in power in Israel.

5 Israel must retreat to the 67 Green line.

6 Not only France oppresses Jews, don't blame France we prefer to worry about the muslims threatening them (it's just playful gangs.....)