Sarkozy suggests Socialist as FM

A French Socialist leader was suggested for the country’s foreign affairs portfolio. Dr. Bernard Kouchner, who has visited Israel numerous times and has a Jewish father, was floated this week for the spot in President Nicolas Sarkozy’s new government. The conservative Sarkozy, inaugurated Wednesday, has said he wants to include left-wingers in his Cabinet. According to recent rumors, Sarkozy initially proposed Hubert Vedrine, who declined the post and instead might be offered the Justice Ministry. Kouchner, founder of Doctors Without Borders, might then get the Foreign Affairs portfolio.Kouchner, in contrast to Vedrine, is not considered to share France’s traditional pro-Arab approach. Kouchner received an honorary degree from Ben-Gurion University.