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Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must clarify policy on Israel's settlements in the West Bank after a minister said he was preparing for annexation, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday during a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
“I think it supposes a political clarification in particular in Israel because today, some people have taken a very hard line and give the impression of acting in an uninhibited manner,” he said in Riyadh.
There are concerns that US president-elect Donald Trump will do little to stop Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose department is in charge of settlements, from ordering them to prepare for the annexation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Mr Netanyahu, who rejects the idea of a Palestinian state, has yet to comment on Mr Smotrich's ideas.
Two-state solution conference
Mr Macron also announced that he would co-chair a two-state solution conference in June with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He said opposing the possible annexation was a “priority” for France, which would not give up on the idea of a Palestinian state. He was speaking to reporters at a water summit in Riyadh.
Earlier this year, Mr Macron and France chose not to recognise Palestinian statehood, when Norway, Spain and Ireland did.
On Tuesday, Mr Macron said he would recognise Palestinian statehood “at the right moment” and at a time when it encourages reciprocal movements of recognition”.
“We want to involve several other partners and allies, both European and non-European, who are ready to move in this direction but who are waiting for France,” he added.
Mr Macron said there was a simultaneous aim to “trigger a movement of recognition in favour of Israel", which he said could “provide answers in terms of security for Israel and convince people that the two-state solution is a solution that is relevant for Israel”.
Discussion on regional crises
The war in Gaza and the recent ceasefire in Lebanon were discussed at the meeting between Mr Macron and Prince Mohammed on Monday. Speaking shortly before a one-on-one dinner with the Saudi leader, the French President said they would discuss regional crises again on Tuesday after spending the day at a series of summits to boost business ties between the two countries.
The two leaders want to continue keeping the pressure for negotiators to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, Mr Macron said, with the support of the incoming US administration.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Saudi Arabia - in pictures
On Lebanon, the priority is to maintain the ceasefire, despite claims of breaches on the Israeli and Hezbollah sides. France and Saudi Arabia will work together on supporting the Lebanese army, Mr Macron said.
“What we are going to discuss this evening are the modalities of a road map to be able to help the Lebanese Armed Forces not simply to redeploy and stabilise but, as was announced by [military chief] Gen [Joseph] Aoun, to be able to increase their capacities both in terms of men and in terms of equipment.”
Lebanon reconstruction talks
Another matter of diplomatic importance is the return of the about 1.3 million displaced people who fled southern Lebanon because of the war. This must happen with conditions that do not allow the return of Hezbollah in villages in the region, Mr Macron said.
“The deconfliction of the return of displaced persons is a very important point for us,” he said. “Then we'll be able to speak about reconstruction.
Mr Macron said a conference would be held on the matter at an appropriate moment.
Asked about the conflict in Syria, where there has been an escalation in fighting, and the position of President Bashar Al Assad, Mr Macron said that he “tried to be pragmatic".
France's priorities are to maintain its security priorities in the region, block the resurgence of terrorist groups and stop the rearming of Hezbollah.
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
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- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
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Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
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Year started: 2017
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
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1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
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Rating: 4.5/5
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