Alain Poher, President of the French Senate said yesterday that many Frenchmen understand Israel’s attitude in the autonomy talks. Poher, a friend of Israel, did not, however, express support for Israel’s policy or its creation of new settlements in the occupied territories.
Poher spoke at a farewell lunch tendered by the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Israel to departing Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Gazit. In spite of the presence at the lunch of Israel’s staunchest friends in France, none of the speakers endorsed the current settlement policy.
After the lunch, several members of parliament told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that they “understand but not necessarily approve” the Israeli position. Gazit is due to leave France next month. he will be replaced by Meir Rosenne, legal advisor to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. who is due to take over his new post in the autumn.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
