Philippe Cochet says he is a "real friend of Israel, and that he is completely in phase with the new balance in French policy for the Middle East which was started by the President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. Nicolas Sarkozy's election once again strengthened links which should never have been weakened. In France's foreign policy, the safety of Israel is a prerequisite before any other question is considered."
The MP for the Rhone has visited Israel many times, and between the last two visits, which were four years apart, he noted that the building of "the wall" had had a very positive effect on the level of security, and thus on the general atmosphere in the population. He also acknowledged the technological miracles accomplished by Israeli industry and the entrepreneurial spirit of Israelis.
The MP for the Rhone intends to use his position as President of a group for fostering relations with a Middle Eastern country to meet the presidents of other parliamentary groups of friendship with Middle Eastern countries - Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, etc. -and encourage dialogue.
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