In a deliberate snub, French Foreign Minister Barnier decided to visit Palestinian Authority head Yasser Arafat, rather than Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, on his visit to the region. We revealed this intention to readers earlier.  Now we have an account of the actual meeting with the Nobel Prize—winning terror master.

Mr Barnier explained that it was important for France to reaffirm strongly the indispensable role of Chairman Arafat in that region of the world. He brought a message of sincere friendship and high esteem from President Chirac to Arafat. He also conveyed a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people in these very difficult times, mainly caused by the Israelis. 'These are not only words but also concrete actions such as the cooperation agreement between France and the PA.' 

Then he went on to deliver a 'message of truth'  to Arafat telling him: 'Time is of the essence and if nothing is done, France will soon be all alone as the only country supporting you.'

Barnier also complained bitterly about the fate reserved to Arafat by Israel. For him, it is a disgrace for Arafat, for his rank as the legitimately elected President, and for his people. He demanded that Arafat's isolation in his Headquarters be terminated.

If that were not enough, Chirac declared in Istanbul during the NATO summit that Arafat is the only legitimate representative of the Palestinians and that no agreement can be signed without him.

France's government shows once again where its priorities lie: helping Muslim rogue dictators blindly until the end. So after Saddam Hussein, they are going to stick with Arafat whatever happens, even after it has been widely proven that Arafat remains one of the major masters of terror in the world.

Last but not least, in yesterday's Le Monde op—ed page, a group of influential French politicians and intellectuals signed a declaration of solidarity with the PLO's representative in France, Leila Shahid. Her last name means martyr in Arabic, possibly an ironic touch.  In this text they state,

"The Israeli government annexes and chokes the occupied territories, multiplies war crimes and tries to destroy the elected Palestinian Authority.'

As usual, whatever the circumstances and the hard facts, France goes to great lengths to defend the PLO and Arafat.
In such an environment of fueling hatred of Israel, it is not surprising that young French Muslims keep on physically attacking  French Jews in one of the largest waves of anti—Semitism since Hitler's day.