French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Friday that a bid by Palestinians to win UN recognition as a state would risk triggering a dangerous diplomatic confrontation.
Palestinians plan to campaign for recognition at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.
"France hopes that they use the occasion for reopening the path to dialogue rather than risking a futile and dangerous diplomatic confrontation," Juppe told an annual gathering of French ambassadors.
France is hoping that the 27 countries of the European Union can establish a common position on Palestinian statehood.
"The 27 countries should speak with one voice," said Juppe ahead of a meeting later Friday of European Foreign Ministers in Poland which is expected to debate the question.