French President Nicolas Sarkozy welcomed visiting President Shimon Peres in Paris Monday night and criticized newly announced plans to expand the community of Givat Zev and the Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Zev. Sarkozy referred to the areas as "settlements." He added, "The best guarantee for Israel's security is the creation of a modern Palestinian state, democratic and viable before the end of 2008."

"As a friend, I say to you that the Israel's security depends on stopping the settlements," Sarkozy told President Peres, who was given the honor of being the first foreign head of state to be welcomed on an official visit since Sarkozy was elected last year.