CRIF MEETS NEW FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER

Following the recent reshuffle of the French government, Michel Barnier was appointed Foreign Minister, succeeding Dominique Galouzeau de Villepin.

(Villepin became Interior Minister, a position held by Nicolas Sarkozy who in turn became Minister of Finance)

France considers that the withdrawal from Gaza announced by Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is "useful and positive provided it is within the framework of the road map enabling Israel and a Palestinian State to live side by side," said Barnier.

France will not compromise on the security of Israel, said Barnier. He condemned the terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians and the "executions" of Palestinian leaders.

CRIF's delegation asked Barnier to use France's influence to talk the Palestinian leaders into the peace process. The French Foreign Minister agreed that peace was at hand in 2000 in Camp David and Taba. Cukierman wished that the European Union would list the Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Roger Cukierman praised the determination of the French government to fight against anti-Semitism and the co-operation of various ministries with CRIF. Barnier committed to report this "French example as a best practice" to his European colleagues.