Sarkozy, Obama talk on phone on Middle East peace process
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French President Nicoals Sarkozy held phone talks with his American counterpart Barack Obama to discuss the recent developments of the relaunch of Israeli- Palestinian peace process, President Sarkozy's office reported on Thursday.
"USA President Barack Obama called this afternoon the President of the Republic to inform him of the progress of discussions started yesterday in Washington as part of the resumption of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians," it said in a statement.
Sarkozy reiterated Paris support to Washington efforts to push further the stalled peace talks between Palestine and Israel, unveiling "the intention to take strong initiatives to help them to set a fair, balance and sustainable peace settlement."
"In this context, the President of the Republic stressed the absolute need for both parties to refrain from any action which might undermine or to hamper direct negotiations," Elyseee said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met on Thursday in Washington to resume direct peace talks with the aim to outline borders of separate sates and bridge gaps on the tricky points of settlement and prisoners.
Direct negotiations were blocked sine 2008 after Israeli forces raid devastated Gaza strip to halt rocket fire from the enclave ruled by the militant Hamas movement.
