When Barak met Musharraf
Defense minister runs into Pakistani president at Paris hotel; leaders exchange friendly greetings
An unusual meeting took place Tuesday evening at the lobby of the luxurious Hotel Raphael in Paris. Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, bumped into each other and had a short conversation.
The two, who are visiting France these days, are staying in the same hotel. As Barak arrived at the hotel, his entourage ran into that of Musharraf, who was leaving for a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Barak took advantage of the opportunity, approached Musharraf and introduced himself: "I am the State of Israel's defense minister." The Pakistani leader nodded to signal that he had recognized the Israeli minister.
"We support your people and back you due to your significance in securing world peace," Barak said. Musharraf placed his hand on Barak's shoulder and replied, "Thank you very much. God willing, I hope you will make progress in the peace process."
The two leaders exchanged greetings and handshakes and parted as friends.
The two may meet again on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Barak is expected to arrive in Switzerland with an honorable Israeli delegation, which will include President Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eliyahu Yishai.
The defense minister is scheduled to meet with the Quartet envoy to the Middle East, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and with Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
On Wednesday Barak is expected to meet with the French defense and foreign ministers, and will later be Sarkozy's guest at the Élysée Palace.
