French President Sarkozy visits Israel

French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, has met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Sarkozy's three-day visit marks the first to Israel by a French president in 12 years and is aimed at reinforcing his image as an Israeli ally.

Sarkozy told reporters at Olmert's official residence in Jerusalem that France supports all initiatives for peace in the region.

Sarkozy said, "I want to assure the Prime Minister that France is supporting all actions for peace including ceasefire and negotiations. France will support anything that will lead in the direction of mutual understanding and calm."

Sarkozy said Israel's security depended on the creation of a Palestinian state. He added that he came to support Olmert's and Abbas's governments in their attempts to reach a peace deal.

Olmert praised Sarkozy's visit as a gesture of friendship by a man who understands the challenges faced by Israel and who is personally committed to the security in the region. The Israeli Prime Minister also says he supports Sarkozy's launch of his Mediterranean Union in Paris next month.

Olmert said, "We will hold a conversation on various issues, among others will be the initiative of President Sarkozy to strengthen the relations between the Mediterranean countries in the conference he will hold on July 13. Israel supports President Sarkozy's important plan. We will also discuss our bilateral relations and the continuing economic, cultural and scientific cooperation between the two states."

Sarkozy's schedule also includes a brief stop in Bethlehem to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.