Macron calls for new peace negotiations, two state solution

PARIS - 16 July 2017: France's President Emmanuel Macron has called for renewed peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, indicating he will stick to long-standing French policy supporting a two state solution, after his first formal meeting with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Paris on Sunday.

"Everything must be done to advance negotiations, especially considering the regional threats, and we must open new negotiations for this issue," i24 News quoted Macron as having said at a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace.

"I would like to support the pursuit of a solution for the Palestinians and the Israelis with the capital in Jerusalem for these two entities," said Macron, who was elected in May.

"France is going to give all the help, political and any other that is needed, according to the international community’s principles."

"It is important that the negotiations for peace are not doubted or put into question," added the center-right President.

Stressing that international law should be "respected by all", Macron said he was referring to Israel's "continued building of settlements" in occupied Palestinian territory, a policy opposed by France.