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Netanyahu backs Lieberman after Sarkozy criticism

Netanyahu says Liberman has vital role to play in Middle East peace process

June 30, 2009 14:05
binyamin netanyahu 0

ByJessica Elgot, Jessica Elgot

1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has given his foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman his full backing, after reports surfaced that French President Nicolas Sarkozy had told Netanyahu to "get rid of" him.

In a meeting with EU ambassadors in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Lieberman was “fully committed to peace and security” and was an integral part of the government.

He said Lieberman "will play an important role in implementing the policy" presented in his diplomatic speech at Bar-Ilan University last month.

A spokesman for Netanyahu would not confirm or deny the remarks reportedly made by Sarkozy in a meeting with the prime minister in Paris last week.