French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said today that the Palestinians will be able to attain a state \"only via a political arrangement, and only after Israel\'s security needs are met.\" He arrived in Israel today after a visit in Cairo, where he said that he is intent on meeting with Yasser Arafat as well. De Villepin said that the situation here is dangerous and dramatic, and that it can be calmed only through political negotiations.
In other European news, 14 Italian left-wing nationals are to be deported from Israel. They arrived in the country for the express purpose of working on behalf of the PA and protesting against Israel. Interior Minster Eli Yeshai (Shas), who signed the deportation orders, said that a normal society cannot permit the influx of agitators whose only purpose is to increase tensions. Meretz opposition party officials expressed concern that the expulsion of such activists may hamper the arrival of supporters planning to attend a Saturday night left-wing political event.
In other European news, 14 Italian left-wing nationals are to be deported from Israel. They arrived in the country for the express purpose of working on behalf of the PA and protesting against Israel. Interior Minster Eli Yeshai (Shas), who signed the deportation orders, said that a normal society cannot permit the influx of agitators whose only purpose is to increase tensions. Meretz opposition party officials expressed concern that the expulsion of such activists may hamper the arrival of supporters planning to attend a Saturday night left-wing political event.