The results of the first round of presidential elections in France demonstrate the popularity of Nicolas Sarkozy to the French-Israeli voters. 82% voted for him. On the eve of the second round of elections, the UMP candidate wished to share his vision of France, Europe and the Middle East through the Jerusalem Post French edition.
- You are in Europe and around the world the image of a human right to safe and liberal positions, not to mention your "Atlantis", pro-Israel and pro-American that appeals to many Israelis, but the Franco-less at the European left. Do you consider this perception accurate and fair?
- Well, tell me, I think you have not forgotten anything. This is the complete list of the most caricatured features typically used by those who in general are not very good intentions towards me. This perception is obviously not true or fair. I wanted to be the nominee of a Republican right uninhibited finally not to be left, a right to safe values: work, authority, the primacy of the victim about the offender, effort, merit, the rejection of the assistantship, egalitarianism and leveling down. Does that make me a man of the hard right?
I used in my ministerial responsibilities in combating and reducing uncertainty that had literally exploded under the leftist government of Lionel Jospin.
I have obtained significant results and I think tomorrow they will be comforted by improving the overall functioning of the chain criminal, in particular to better fight against recidivism and the feeling of impunity for minors multi-repeaters. Does that make me a man to secure positions?
In economic matters, I am first and foremost a follower of pragmatism. I believe in economic freedom. I think the market economy. But I also know that the market does not say everything and can not do everything. I believe in political voluntarism in industrial and technological development, and I do not regret having made the choice to intervene to save Alstom, a thriving business returned. Does that make me a liberal?
I am deeply attached to the independence of France and of Europe vis-à-vis any power whatsoever. And I regret that the EU does not show more unity, realism and autonomy in its economic and trade relations with other world regions, as in its foreign policy and defense. I do not see this as inconsistent with the fact of considering the U.S. as a great democracy with which we have many common values and close historical unwavering. Nor do I see no incompatibility between recognizing the right of Palestinians to have a viable state and is considered Israel's security as non-negotiable. Does that make me an "Atlanticist", a "pro-Israel" and a "pro-American"? It is a reading that at least lack the most basic subtlety. The truth is that those who say that are anti-Israel and anti-Americans. They wright instead of bashing others.
- Can you make a review and outlook for the future of the institution of the French Council the Muslim faith and dialogue between the French government and the leader of the council, Dalil Boubaker?
- I am indeed deeply involved in the creation of the CFCM, the representative body of Muslims in France and its regional that are
25 CRCM. Why? Because I prefer an Islam of France, in line with the values and rules of our republic, an Islam in France, which remain subject to foreign influences.
The CFCM together the different currents of thought of Muslims and allows a dialogue between them, but also, of course, with government and other parts of French society.
Specifically, the CFCM deals with the construction of mosques, the management of Muslim cemeteries, the organization of religious festivals, the appointment of chaplains in hospitals, colleges and prisons, but also the training of imams.
CFCM's record since its inception in 2003 is positive and encouraging for me. Besides, I am convinced that no government in the future, whatever it is, does call into question its existence and its aims.
- Security and immigration are topics on which you have the most worked as Interior Minister. What do you think of the European directive, which covers both the exchange of information among the various intelligence services and the harmonization of laws that regulate the arrival of illegal immigrants?
- You're probably referring to the proposed directive on the return of illegal immigrants. The European Commission considered it necessary to pass a new milestone in the harmonization of procedures for removal.
is undeniably a good thing, provided that states may still retain some flexibility.
As for cooperation in information exchange between different European countries, I think essential, whether to fight against illegal immigration, including through the forthcoming information on visas or against organized crime networks that thrive by exploiting the misery and desperation of men.
More broadly, I hope that European states can go further tomorrow in furthering the coordination of their policies on immigration, asylum and border control. In my responsibilities as Minister of Interior, I have had the opportunity to submit proposals to our partners in this regard.
- You have often said they wanted to review the law on secularism in 1905. How do you think it can be changed and in which direction?
- There was never any question for me to change the fundamental principles of the 1905 Act. This law is not law but a law of prohibition of clarification of the relationship between state and religion. It is a law that ensures tolerance at once the freedom of conscience and the neutrality of the state, ie the equality of religions before the public.
I just wanted to undertake a reflection on the need for a new Washing, to take into account a new reality: the fact that Islam, which has now become the second religion in France after Catholicism, was virtually nonexistent in our territory in 1905. I would also point out that this law has been amended thirteen times! An expert report which was handed to me last September recommended me to develop legislation to give municipalities the option properly framed to help if needed investment worship.
If this issue could be studied, is partly because it is not fair that the followers of certain faiths emerged recently in our territory have difficulty practicing their religion. I do not think it is nevertheless appropriate to legislate without first having obtained a very broad consensus. To legislate on these sensitive issues, the agreement of the vast majority of French people and different communities of worship seems mandatory.
- You know that the issue of Lebanon is a major concern as a neighboring country. In Lebanon, the European soldiers have complied with the UN resolution for a multilateral force along the border with Israel. Some UN reports indicate the rearmament of Hezbollah. Do you think that the UNIFIL mission to be redesigned to be effective?
- The mission "UNIFIL 2", established by resolution 1701 Security Council UN was given a realistic mandate, to ensure that a cease-fire lasting between Israel and Lebanese parties. It is generally well received so far, no doubt, moreover, because France, under the watchful leadership of Jacques Chirac, had insisted from the outset that the conditions for effective action by the international force are met: a clear mandate and strengthened against the UNIFIL rules of commitment predefined.
However, the balance remains fragile in the region. The disarmament of militias in particular, fundamental for stability, must remain a major concern for the Lebanese government. UNIFIL more than 2, the latter to organize the abandonment of arms by the militias and to prevent reset some of them providing a true control of the Syrian-Lebanese border.
What is desirable is that the Lebanese political process could be restarted, the Lebanese resume their full destiny in hand and find the path of internal dialogue. The laying down of arms to the legitimate authorities of Lebanon would be the best guarantee of a return to sustainable peace.
- What do you think the Saudi peace plan launched in spring 2002 returned to the agenda, particularly the "return of refugees" as "mandatory condition *?
- As you know, France has since 2002 supported the Saudi initiative for peace, as it supported the efforts of all those who have sought to resolve through peaceful Israeli conflict Palestinians.
For my part, I consider this initiative, recently revived at the Riyadh summit, to be useful to allow the resumption of the peace process. If you want peace and stability, one must start by talking, especially between neighbors. Without departing from the current impasse through a negotiated settlement, which the fate of refugees is an element.
That said, I am obviously concerned about the balance between on the one hand, Israel's right to security and recognition of its neighbors, on the other hand, the right of Palestinians to a state. I am very deeply committed to this balance.
There are viable and sustainable solution in ensuring that Israel will not have threatened its existence, but in reasserting the role of the Palestinians to organize themselves into a viable state.
- The security barrier erected by Israel is she in your opinion, Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the right of legitimate defense of Israel against terrorist attacks? Do you think Hezbollah should be listed by the EU and France on the list of terrorist organizations?
- You know, I defend Israel's right to protect itself against external aggression, especially when they take the form of such cowardly and indiscriminate acts as terrorist acts. But measures taken must not condemn the search for a negotiated peace. They must be appropriate and proportionate.
Moreover, the peace of Israel today depends largely on increased capacity of police and policing in the Palestinian territories. It will depend on the future character of the viable Palestinian state, including its continuity.
regard to Hezbollah, I understand that we can ask the question you raise given the attitude of this organization and means that he sometimes used. I do am not convinced, however, the usefulness of having such a debate in the Lebanese context where it is necessary to seek appeasement. I can only be in favor of applying all the provisions of resolution 1559, which includes the disarmament of Hezbollah. If it is the political party which he said he really behaves itself and finally laid down their arms.
- You want to resume the construction of Europe by a simplified treaty to be submitted to Parliament through a democratic convention named ad hoc. What are you going to build alliances with your European partners, to achieve this? Against Turkey as a permanent member of the EU, you launched the idea of a Mediterranean Union. Do you have a Mediterranean policy?
- It is almost two years that Europe has failed because of rejection by two founding nations, including France, the European Constitutional Treaty. This is unfortunate, but we can not help but take note and try to imagine alternatives to exit all of the current crisis. Because it will not be possible to restart Europe and build large European projects for the future with existing institutions that were not designed for an EU of 27 members.
But two years of inaction, that is enough. When the European project is not moving it back, and he declined even more rapidly than the world is changing so fast and he does not expect us. So, pending more ambitious redesigns that can best intervene before the next European Parliament elections, that is to say not before 2009, I propose to resume without delay all the more consensual the first part of the draft Constitutional Treaty. I call it the simplified treaty. I am convinced that a consensus between the different member states can be found quickly on this basis. I trust the good will, realism and the desire to advance all of our partners.
regards Turkey, it is a great country and a great ally for whom I have great respect. If I am opposed to membership, not because I am against Turkey but because I am for a political Europe. It seems to me that there would be fundamental contradiction between the accession of Turkey and the project of a more integrated Europe politically.
The European Union can not expand indefinitely and must have borders. And I think that for historical, geographical and cultural differences, Turkey is not intended to be within those boundaries. Except that these are common borders with Syria tomorrow or Iraq, which seems difficult to accept. I also remind you that when the prospect of Turkish membership was considered, it was y after 45 years at the time, he was joining a common market, customs union, not a political union.
I therefore call for the establishment of a strategic partnership, economic and cultural as privileged with Turkey as with other states around the Mediterranean. The Euro-Mediterranean union that I proposed within this framework. Europe at the obvious, starting with France and Italy, can not turn our backs on the Mediterranean, which is a data structure of its identity as its stability.
- Iran is still a threat more imminent. Some countries like France, Spain and Italy are for a line of dialogue more markedly than other members of the international community. What is your position relative to the regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
- On Iran, I would once again be very clear. It is unacceptable and dangerous than Iran having a nuclear weapons capability. It is for Iran to restore confidence about the nature of its nuclear activities. That is what the Security Council UN has served in Tehran by voting unanimously resolution 1737.
L'important dans cette crise est de maintenir la fermeté et l'unité de la communauté internationale face à cette épreuve de vérité pour sa détermination à contenir les risques de prolifération. This is the meaning of the action of Europeans since 2003. This policy of firmness and dialogue is now shared by all permanent members of the Security Council. It in this continuity that will fit my action if I am elected.
regards Mr Ahmadinejad, let me remind you what I have already taken on his attitude and positions. Its operations calling for the destruction of Israel or denying the reality of the Holocaust are totally unacceptable and irresponsible. I'm also not sure whether they were shared by a majority of Iranians, far from that.
- Quote of the Crown Prince Abdallah Ashark al Awsat, May 11, 2002.
interview published in the Jerusalem Post No. 839
0 comments:
Post a Comment