Jerusalem, 12 February 1997
DM MORDECHAI MEETS WITH FRENCH DM MILLON
(Communicated by Defense Minister's Media Coordinator)
Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai held a working meeting this morning
(Wednesday), 12.2.97, at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, with French
Defense Minister Charles Millon. Minister Millon was received with full
ceremony by Defense Minister Mordechai, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Amnon
Lipkin-Shahak and Defense Ministry Director General Ilan Biran.
During their working meeting, Defense Minister Mordechai briefed his guest
on Israeli policy regarding progress in the peace process, the Middle East
situation and the threats facing Israel. He emphasized that the Israeli
government wants to make progress in the peace process while making
certain that its security is not harmed. He stressed the dangers posed by
the development of non-conventional weapons by Iran and Iraq, adding that
should such weapons actually be developed, they would "endanger the
stability of the entire region." Defense Minister Mordechai defined
terrorism as "the cancer of the current century, whose roots are in the
Middle East." Regarding the situation in Lebanon, he said that "the
security zone, its residents and the South Lebanon Army can serve as a
bridge to peace between us and Lebanon. Lebanon could be the starter which
could get the political process with Syria and Lebanon moving, but it
could also be a great minefield which could harm the entire process." He
added that "if Israeli citizens and soldiers continue to be injured, we
are liable to reach an escalation which would take us backwards, not
forwards." He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Israeli
and French defense establishments, and said that they should be expanded
and strengthened.
Mr. Millon expressed both his personal condolences, as well as those of
his government and the French people, regarding the recent helicopter
disaster. He emphasized his government's interest in finding a political
solution which would enable Israel to enjoy security, in the framework of
a settlement between Israel and Lebanon. He expressed his desire to
strengthen and foster cooperation between the French and Israeli defense
establishments.