France welcomes the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Thursday. Israel's decision to suspend its planned annexation of areas of the occupied West Bank under the historic agreement is a 'positive step', Le Drian said in a statement, adding that the suspension 'must become a definitive measure.' The accord paved the way for a resumption of talks between Israelis and Palestinians with the aim to establish two states, he said, calling it 'the only option' to achieve peace in the region.
