Israel to declare Europe a hostile entity?
Israel is warning the European Union that unless it tones down its criticism of the Netanyahu government, it will be shut out of the 'peace process.' The main target of the offensive is EU External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner [pictured. CiJ], who recently called for a freeze in upgrading ties with Israel over its peace process policies.It's about time someone put the Europeans in their place!
Several days ago, the deputy director for Europe at the Foreign Ministry, Rafi Barak, began calling European ambassadors in Israel regarding the attitude toward the new government. The first conversations were with France's Jean-Michel Casa, Britain's Tom Phillips and the Charge d'Affaires of the German embassy.
Barak sharply protested the criticism by European ministers and senior EU officials about Israel's government.
Barak singled out Ferrero-Waldner in his rebuke and said her statements were troubling in their form, style and timing.
...
"We want the European Union to be a partner [in the diplomatic process] but it is important to hold a mature and discreet dialogue and not to resort to public declarations," Barak told the diplomats.
"A public confrontation was created that required Prime Minister Netanyahu, and even opposition head Tzipi Livni, to intervene. We have noted that the large European countries have respected our request and are granting the government time, but it is important that Europe be uniform in this matter," Barak added.
Barak concluded by "warning" that Europe's influence in the area would be undermined by such behavior. "Israel is asking Europe to lower the tone and conduct a discreet dialog," he said. "However, if these declarations continue, Europe will not be able to be part of the diplomatic process, and both sides will lose."
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:17 PM
2 Comments:
Carl - just wait til the Netanyahu-Lieberman government backtracks again. One gets tired of them announcing common sense only to drop it when the heat is on.
carl - what do you mean by 'put these europeans in their place'? Don't forget that most of us in the outside neutral world support your cause out of human sense and sympathy, and these rude behaviours of yours are very detrimental,Isreal is increasingly being seen everywhere of over using to the point of abusing its gained strenght. Don't give reasons and friends to the arabs, or you'd pay dearly for it
Post a Comment
<< Home