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Scare as Sarkozy leaves Israel Scare as Sarkozy leaves Israel
(20 minutes later)
Confusion has marred French President Nicolas Sarkozy's farewell to Israel, after a soldier reportedly shot himself during an airport departure ceremony.Confusion has marred French President Nicolas Sarkozy's farewell to Israel, after a soldier reportedly shot himself during an airport departure ceremony.
Bodyguards rushed Mr Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, into their plane after the shot was fired. Israeli leaders were also hurried to safety. Mr Sarkozy was rushed into his plane after the shot was fired. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres were also taken to safety. The incident at Ben-Gurion airport came at the end of Mr Sarkozy's three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.
The incident at Ben-Gurion airport came at the end of Mr Sarkozy's three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.
It remains unclear whether the death was accidental or a suicide.It remains unclear whether the death was accidental or a suicide.
A police spokesman told the Reuters news agency that a policeman guarding the airport had committed suicide just as Mr Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni were about to board their plane.
Other reports suggested the security officer may have fainted from the heat, accidentally discharging his weapon.
Witnesses said the incident was over within minutes and that Mr Olmert had then boarded the Sarkozys' plane to say farewell and explain what had happened.
'A priority'
Mr Sarkozy's visit was intended to improve relations between France and Israel.
He also held talks in the West Bank on Tuesday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Sarkozy voiced his support for the creation of a Palestinian state.
"The security of Israel is non-negotiable for France, but the creation of a viable, democratic, modern state for the Palestinians is a priority for France," he said.
Mr Abbas said the Palestinians were "relying a great deal on the European role" in the peace process, particularly as France takes on the rotating European Union presidency next month.