French President Nicolas Sarkozy has hinted that his government may recognize an independent Palestinian state if Israeli-Palestinian talks do not yield any result

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has hinted that his government may recognize an independent Palestinian state if Israeli-Palestinian talks do not yield any result.

"If the peace process is still dead in September, France will face up to its responsibilities on the central question of recognition of a Palestinian state," Sarkozy said in an interview in L'Express magazine. "The idea that there is still plenty of time is dangerous. Things have to be brought to a conclusion" before a UN gathering in September, he added.

Sarkozy also urged the United States to “get more involved” in the talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. He called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "take the risk of peace." "I think he must say more clearly that the Palestinians have a right to their own state and act accordingly," Sarkozy said.

"Israel cannot simply pursue its economic development in the occupied territories."

The French president said the European powers planned in the next few months "to re-launch the peace process along with the Americans, because Europe cannot be the main one paying for Palestine and yet remain a minor figure politically in the matter."