Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Sunday morning 23 Marcheshvan met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Mr. Lieberman began the meeting with a statement that Israel is not going to accept limitations on construction of homes in Jewish neighborhoods of the capital.
“We must be clear. We will not accept the classification of construction in Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem as ‘settlements’” Lieberman stated. “This is a broad based consensus among the Jewish People in Israel and we will not accept building limitations in Jerusalem neighborhoods” he added.
“Anyone dreaming that he will cave in and limit construction in Jerusalem is mistaken. We are willing to defend our independence and there will be no compromise due to all of the negative pressure”.
The foreign minister added that he remains hopeful the European Union will take Israel’s position into consideration, for not agreeing to it would be a distortion of reality”.
Lieberman stressed he hopes EU foreign ministers will display a balanced attitude towards Israel. “We are all wondering about trying to establish bilateral relations and an affinity between Israel and the EU, and what occurs with the PA (Palestinian Authority). Any attempt to create an affinity in bilateral relations is an erred approach that does not in any way contribute to regional normalization and stability with the Palestinians”.
Lieberman stressed that Germany remains one of Israel’s staunchest allies, praising the German foreign minister’s efforts towards strengthening the bond between Israel and his country and towards ending the Mideast regional conflict.
The German foreign minister tried to allay Lieberman’s fears concerning a meeting of EU foreign ministers this week. He called on both Israel and the PA to refrain from moves that might torpedo regional diplomatic efforts.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
FM Lieberman, have them just pretend we’re arabs and wala, even they will allow apartments to be built! Tell Bambi the apartment construction is for arabs! He’ll look the other way! He might even give a U.S. grant!