Sarkozy to Israel: We have your back

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:04:30 presstv

French President Nicolas Sarkozy warns Iran of 'a reaction of great firmness', if the country does not halt its enrichment program.

In a Monday meeting with visiting Israeli president Shimon Peres, Sarkozy said he would make sure that Israel 'is not alone' in its concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
Sarkozy's remarks come after statements by different Israeli officials saying they would not consider a unilateral military action on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Analysts believe after the often-turbulent Israel-France relations during President Jacques Chirac's tenure, Sarkozy seeks to revive the frayed ties in order to be granted the privilege of entering into the close US-Israel alliance.
The Associated Press reported that during Monday's pomp-filled dinner, President Sarkozy did not miss any opportunity to assure Peres of his friendship, saying Paris would always work to ensure Israel's survival.
"Those who call in a scandalous, scandalous way for the destruction of Israel will always find France in front of them to block their route," said the French president.

Israel considers Iran as a threat to its existence and has long accused the Islamic Republic of pursuing nuclear weaponry; an allegation backed by 'Washington and allies'.
Tehran, however, maintains that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty it is entitled to the civilian use of nuclear technology and that its enrichment program is solely aimed at producing fuel for the country's under-construction nuclear power plants.
Under US pressure, the UN Security Council has so far imposed three rounds of sanctions resolutions against Iran to pressure the country into halting its nuclear program.

MD/HGH