Brussels, 02/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who is currently candidate for the post of prime minister, was received by the European Parliament foreign affairs committee on Tuesday 2 December, the day before the plenary debate on assent for Israel's participation in Community programmes. Adoption of the text will trigger implementation of a special status that will make Israel almost a member state, in a context that remains difficult given the situation in the Middle East. On Monday 1 December, Ms Livni devoted her whole speech to inciting the EU to greater awareness of the stakes entailed. She places this challenge in a determined fight against terrorism, according to a line of separation - between “moderates” and extremists - across each camp.
“While we exchange views, funerals are being held in Israel for Israelis killed by terrorists in Mumbai”, Tzipi Livni said, showing the same sensitivity in calling for the mobilisation of Europeans as well as “moderate” Arab partners such as Mahmoud Abbas, against those who are an obstacle to the peace process. Terrorists are more representative of ideologies than of states, she said in substance, citing Hezbollah and Hamas linked to Iran where this ideology is prevalent. The enemy of the Arabs is not Israel but Iran, she affirmed. She spoke of her appreciation for the situation on the ground, saying it was up to Israel to ensure the security of its territory and of its population, thus saying that any formula - mainly the “two states” formula - is only possible if guarantees are given. She added that “until there is agreement on everything, there will be agreement on nothing”. Ms Livni reiterated her country's commitment to continuing negotiations that should not be brought to a halt by either terrorism or the extension of settlements, she said, stressing that, in Oslo and Annapolis, “Israel showed the extent to which it can take risks” despite the situation on the ground. The final aim, she said, is not to give Palestinians a state but to build a lasting peace. She thus urged for a “demilitarised” neighbouring state of Israel. She also warned those who call for the return of refugees as, she says, this can only be conceived in the context of a Palestinian state, and she was critical of the United Nations agencies that contribute to keeping refugees in their camps. As for Europe, “we share the same values and the same vision of the Arab world” and, from this point of view, she says she finds it difficult to understand certain European decisions such as the conditions that accompany the granting of special status to Israel. “Let's work together”, she said, while not acknowledging that the EU has a special role as the priority of Israel is to negotiate bilaterally with the Palestinians.
Except for Jana Hybaskova (EPP, Czech Republic), who approved Ms Livni and hoped that the EU, the main aid donor for the Middle East, would have a more important role, several deputies (Salafranca, De Keyser, Cohn Bendit, Cappato, Morgantini, etc) pointed out to the minister that the humanitarian situation in Gaza in particular does not leave the European public insensitive (recalling also that settlement extension has continued despite commitments taken). Ms Livni affirmed that Israel has no choice. “Put yourself in our shoes” when it comes to Gaza “controlled by a group that is hostile to peace”, she said, saying that what they are doing is what they have been asked to do from everywhere in Israel and the Mahmoud Abbas team. (F.B./transl.jl)