Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Sunday stated he does not see any possibility of Turkey returning to its previous role as mediator between Israel and Syria. He stated after Turkey’s slanderous statements against Israel since Operation Cast Lead, such a move is simply not a possibility. “After all of the slander and nonsense on Turkey’s part, saying it would prefer a Sudanese murderer to the Israeli prime minister, it cannot mediate”, Lieberman stated in no uncertain terms. He blames the deterioration in relations between Israel and Syria on Turkey’s role in mediating efforts.

The minister made his comment as Minister of Industry & Trade Binyamin Ben-Eliezer prepares to lead a large delegation to Turkey, a visit which Lieberman state has not been coordinated with the Foreign Ministry. The minister will be seeking to advance business dealings between the two countries. He will also be meeting with senior state officials.

Ben-Eliezer played up Turkey’s role as an Islamic democratic nation, which has the ability “to bridge nations” in the region. He stated he feels Turkey can and must play a vital role in bringing regional peace and stability. 

When asked about rumors regarding a declaration of PA (Palestinian Authority) statehood, Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beitenu Party, says his party will strongly oppose such a move, adding to the best such an occurrence has not been discussed in the cabinet or other government forums. He explained his party remains opposed to any interim state and issues must be ironed out before such a move can be made.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)