Yes to 'viable' Palestinian state

PARIS – FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy backed the creation of a ‘viable’ Palestinian state on Monday but was cautious about repeating his foreign minister’s support for possible recognition of a state before its borders were set.

Speaking at a news conference in Paris with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, President Sarkozy repeated France’s support for statehood for Palstinians but added: ‘We have always said a viable Palestinian state.’ ‘What we want when we argue for a Palestinian state is a real state, which can give hope and a future for millions of Palestinians. It’s not just an idea,’ he told reporters.