President Rivlin met with the President of European Council Donald Tusk, using the forum to express himself on the European decision to label Israeli goods coming from yishuvim or other areas liberated in the Six Day War.
“The labelling of Israeli products, will only be a further obstacle to peace. Europe must remember its duty to itself, and to the world. It must remember that the dream of different peoples living side by side was not achieved by creating barriers to trade and cooperation, but, by breaking down divides and finding a common dialogue.”
During their meeting the two discussed the suggestion that the European Union would label products originating from Yehuda and Shomron. They also spoke about the need to renew the direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and for confidence building measures between the peoples. In addition, they addressed the refugee crises in Europe.
The President began by warmly welcoming President Tusk, before going on to address the issue of product labelling. He said, “No one imagined after the first half of the 20th Century there would be open borders, open trade, and a single currency in Europe. This is Israel’s dream for the Middle East. Jews, Christians, and Muslims, are not doomed to live together in this corner of the world, we are destined to live together. To work toward this, we need to build confidence between Israelis and Palestinians. Trade and industry provide a model for peace between the peoples of this region. We see it before our very eyes in areas where Israelis and Palestinians work together and learn to know one another. Peace cannot be imposed; it must come from the people. The labelling of Israeli products, will only be a further obstacle to peace. Europe must remember its duty to itself, and to the world. It must remember that the dream of different peoples living side by side was not achieved by creating barriers to trade and cooperation, but, by breaking down divides and finding a common dialogue.”
The President went on to refer to the issue of the refugee crises currently affecting Europe, “I would like to express my serious concern for the situation of those running from the wars of this region. As a Jewish state, and as a democratic state, I am proud of the humanitarian aid we have given to thousands upon thousands of refugees throughout the years. Israel is ready to continue this important work, and I believe could provide relief to a proportionate number of those fleeing. Whether in Europe, or the Middle East, we cannot allow fundamentalists to dictate how we live, and must continue, to find a way, to live together.”
President of the European Council, Tusk thanked the President for his warm welcome and said he was delighted to visit Jerusalem in the context of his new position. He said: ‘We must of course speak about the peace process, which is of concern to both of us. I am aware that the situation is much more complex than many people realize, and that the issues are far from black and white. We must continue to work together in order to restart the negotiations.”
President Tusk went on to speak about the refugee crisis and said: “Our focus is to save lives. The situation in Europe is about security and economy, not only of the actual borders of Europe, but about social issues. The current influx of refugees is not an isolated incident, it indicates the beginning of an exodus.”
Tusk also referred to the nuclear deal with Iran and said: “I understand that while for Europeans this is seen as a breakthrough, I am aware that we have to respect your sensitivities and concerns.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
The president should have asked if EU will label Iranian products as from Terrorist Supporting State or is there something extra about Israel having Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem or Judea or Samariah that is worse than supporting terrorism