CAIRO, December 14 (Islamonline.net) - In an indirect dismissal of Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon’s accusations to European Muslims of encouraging anti-Semitism, ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) chief Nicolas Sarkozy said anti-Semitism problem existed in France long before Muslims did.

Hours before heading to Israel in an official visit Tuesday, December 14, Sarkozy further demanded a solution to the occupied West Bank crisis that represents a focus of tension.

Sarkozy’s statement were published Tuesday in an interview with the French Jewish La Tribune Magazine in its December, 2004 - January, 2005 issue on the eve of his visit to Israel.

“The problem of anti-Semitism is deeply rooted in France even before Muslims flew into it. The perpetrators of the Nazi holocaust are definitely not Muslims,” Sarkozy said, referring to the Jewish victims of the Nazi rule in Germany.

Sarkozy further pointed out that the increase of Muslim population in France to 6 millions, against only 600.000 Jews, should not be considered from a quantitative perspective.

“The problem is that we do not look at things as they really are,” he said, wondering, “What is the religious sect that does not possess places of worship? What is the religious sect that possesses little money and does not enjoy any rights? They are definitely the latest immigrants (Muslims) who should be given due attention.”

In November 2003, Sharon accused EU states of not taking sufficient action against the so-called “anti-Semitism”.

The hawkish premier attributed this to the growing Muslim population presence in the European continent, describing it as a threat to the Jewish communities in Europe.

Israeli-French relations have recently become strained, as Israel accuses Paris of anti-Semitism, the latest sign was the French ambassador in Israel stating on December 9 that “Israelis suffer from anti-Semitic paranoia.”

French ambassador Gerard Araud told Israeli Amy Radio that “in 1967, dissention between the two close allies France and Israel took place.”

“Israelis felt deceived since 1967. Ever since such shock, in case we resorted to psychoanalysis phrases, Israelis are preparing a file against France. It is an evident anti-France mania,” Araud said.

Araud's statements came in response to an article published in Israeli Ma’ariv daily attacking France for the treatment of late Palestinian President Arafat received in France, pointing out that such treatment “is a proof that the French are scum.”

Nonetheless, the Israeli Foreign Ministry regarded the French ambassador's statements as “unacceptable” and do not “contribute to the efforts exerted by Israel and France to improve the relationships.”

In his interview with the French Jewish magazine, Sarkozy underlined that he would be carrying a message to the Israeli officials whom he would meet during his visit to Israel to the effect that “there is currently a dire need for a Palestinian state.”

Sarkozy also underlined the need for “solving the West Bank crisis that represents the focus of tension.”

“How can Israel guarantee its rights amidst an atmosphere of war? We should mitigate tension in the region through granting everybody their own rights. In case Israel has rights, it should also solve the Palestinian problem,” Sarkozy wondered.

“I think Israel can not preserve its democracy while marinating the Palestinian problem. A Palestinian state should be set up and should recognize Israel's rights of coexistence and security,” he added.

During his three-day visit to Israel, the French leader will meet several Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and head of the opposing Labor party Shimon Perez. Sarkozy did not mention whether or not he would meet with Sharon.