French Presidential spokesman Pierre Beregovoy said today that Foreign Minister Claude Cheysson’s visit to Israel has enabled the two countries “to normalize their relations” and to make it clear that “France is Israel’s friend” though it intends to be “a friend of the Arabs as well.” Other French officials, however, were trying to play down some of the Minister’s promises and commitments given during his 24-hour stay in Israel.
Officials, who did not want their identity disclosed — the normal practice in France — said that Cheysson’s promise that there will be no more European initiatives on the Middle East in the near future should be taken to mean “that neither France nor West Europe should try and impose its will but should support locally produced initiatives.”
The officials also said that the 1980 Venice declaration “is by now outdated.” According to these officials “Europe now favors the creation of a Palestinian state” and the Venice joint statement by the 10 European Economic Community (EEC) Ministers was only an intermediary step in this direction.
All officials questioned by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency stressed, however, Cheysson’s and President Francois Mitterrand’s determination to improve relations with Israel, back its need for security, facilitate its economic ties with the EEC and strengthen France’s relations with the Jewish State.
Clarifying Cheysson’s statement on the Venice declaration, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said “The principles remain true but their application has changed.”
The spokesman also reiterated France’s “deep commitment” to the Camp David agreements as outlined by Cheysson during his visit to Jerusalem. He said that this does not exclude other peace processes which could run parallel with the Camp David agreement or continue after its termination.
The general mood in France, whether in official circles or the general public, is one of optimism that relations between the two countries have definitely taken a great step forward.
It is not clear yet how France’s other European partners will react. The test will come tonight when Cheysson meets for dinner in Brussels with British Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington, who spearheaded the joint European initiative, and Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher of West Germany. Carrington will hold a press conference tomorrow to clarify the position of the EEC.
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