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VOLUME 13-14: 1992-1994
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157. Summary of a Meeting between Prime Minister Rabin and Foreign Minister Juppe of France, 14 February 1994.
The French foreign minister was right when he referred to the many vicissitudes which marked Israel-French relations since their inception in the early 1950's. He felt that there has been a major improvement since the signing of the Israel-PLO DOP. France has over the years supported Israel-PLO negotiations and the creation of a separate Palestinian entity. Israel and France now resumed warmer ties which were reflected in growing cooperation in both civilian and military matters. Mr. Juppe also mentioned the forthcoming visit to Israel of a French defense minister, the first such visit in many years. Israel was grateful for the French help in its quest to re-negotiate its 1975 economic agreement with the European Community. Text:
Prime Minster Yitzhak Rabin met today (Monday), 14.2.94, in his office with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe and his entourage. Rabin thanked the guest and his government for the assistance of France in approving the European mandate to conduct negotiations on up dating the 1975 economic agreement toward improving trade with European Community states. Rabin also thanked Juppe for the decision to cancel the [law] requiring Israelis entering France to [obtain] an entry visa as of March.
During the meeting, the prime minister reviewed the political situation in the region and the peace talks. He emphasized that matters of security and their solutions are the key to the continuation of the political process with the Palestinians and with neighboring countries. The two men discussed the initiative of the countries contributing aid to the Palestinians in the territories, as well as the difficulties derived from the fact that the PLO has not yet constructed mechanisms to supervise fund [transfers]. Rabin stressed that, last year, Israel invested about $160 million in territories-based development programs and that, in the coming weeks, Israel will conduct negotiations with the Palestinians on economic relations between [Israel] and Gaza/ Jericho.
Juppe said that a new page has begun in relations between the [Israel and France], and he noted that relations between the two countries have known "ups and downs" - but that there is now an improvement in the political and military spheres. Juppe believes that the upcoming visit (in March) of the French defense minister will advance cooperation in the areas of research, development and technology. Juppe said that his country is fighting for the cancellation of the Arab boycott and is trying to influence other European states to do likewise. The French foreign minister also emphasized the commitment of France to support the peace process and assist in its progress. France understands Israeli sensitivity on security [matters] and is interested in helping the Palestinians to bear their share of the responsibility. France is working to assist the Palestinians in, inter alia, the creation of a Palestinian television station in the territories. The prime minister responded that Israel will consent to the operation of such a station only after a full agreement is reached on the implementation of "Gaza-Jericho first," and that [the station] will only operate within the framework of the agreement. |
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