Brussels, 22/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Michèle Alliot-Marie, French Foreign and European Affairs Minister, hosted a working lunch on Monday 20 December for all ambassadors of Arab countries. As we learn from the French press, Alliot-Marie wished to thus show the importance she accords to that region of the world. During the lunch, she highlighted the common challenges facing not only France and more broadly the European Union but also the Arab world. In this context, France's foreign minister expressed her conviction that the proposed dialogue and development embodied by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is more than ever of topical importance despite the difficulties that it encounters due to conflict
and tension. It is necessary, she said, to work to resolve these problems and to move forward in
sound cooperation.
On the subject of the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, Michèle Alliot-Marie believes it is appropriate to continue making an effort, together with the United States, with greater involvement of the Quartet, the European Union and the states of the region. (Cor-Gp/transl.jl)