Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman last week instructed Israeli diplomatic officials in the UK, France, Italy, and Spain to clarity to national leaders in those countries that current EU anti-Israeli policies are hampering regional peace efforts.

He explains that while Israel is doing what she can to keep the dialogue with the PA (Palestinian Authority) going the EU position is hampering those very efforts and thereby minimizing the chance of reaching agreement. The Foreign Ministry has summoned EU diplomats to speak with them, a move French President Francois Hollande last week referred to as “part of the diplomatic game”.

Lieberman refers to recent condemnatory statements against Israel in response to announced construction in areas viewed as “Israeli occupied” by the international community.

Hollande added that for him it is clear that all sides will have to make concessions if agreement is to be reached and either side will not receive all the items on its wish list.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)