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Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer hold a joint press conference on Monday. (AP)
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04/08
Haaretz |
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04/07
Deutsche Welle |
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| By Ellis Shuman April 8, 2003 |
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German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, on his first visit to the Middle East in over 10 months, told Israeli leaders that he was "concerned" over Israel's deteriorating relations with Europe. Fischer's visit to Israel started on the wrong foot when he refused to meet Justice Minister Yosef (Tommy) Lapid at his east Jerusalem office, and due to Fischer's plans to meet with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat.
Fischer suggested to President Moshe Katsav today that Israeli leaders make more visits to European capitals in order to improve relations with their counterparts in the European Union. In addition, Fischer called on Israel to support Palestinian Prime Minister-designate Abu Mazen by easing conditions for the Palestinian population. Katsav responded by saying Abu Mazen would be judged by his actions (against terrorism) and not by his words.
In his meeting yesterday with Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, Fischer, considered a strong supporter of Israel, said he cannot "carry the burden alone" for concern for Israel's position on the continent.
Shalom told Fischer that he has made improving relations with Europe a top priority, Haaretz reported, but added that Israel believes Europe has turned pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel.
Shalom and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told Fischer that his decision to meet with Arafat was a mistake that would weaken Abu Mazen's standing.
"I know Arafat well," Fischer said. "I'll know how to present him with the priorities. After the terrorist attack on the Dolphinarium [which took place in June 2001 outside Fischer's hotel in Tel Aviv] I understood what can be expected from him."
Sharon asked Fischer to make sure Abu Mazen was being granted real authority, and to convince him to act against terror, Yediot Aharonot reported.
Fischer wary of Israel's "road map" reservations
Fischer's talks with Shalom and Sharon focused on the "road map" for Middle East peace being promoted by the Quartet - the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia. Israeli officials fear that following the conclusion of the war with Iraq, the Quartet would increase pressure on Israel to accept the dictates of the "road map."
With regard to the reservations Israel has listed about the clauses in the "road map," Fischer warned Shalom, "You are demanding a Palestinian concession on the right of return too soon in the process. That will make it very difficult to proceed."
"The Palestinians expect to get a state at an early stage and not at the end of the process. We need the concession on the right of return early, and not at the end of the process, as opposed to the Oslo accords, which also put the Palestinian state at the end of the process," Shalom replied.
Fischer refuses to go to east Jerusalem
Earlier on Monday, Lapid canceled a scheduled meeting with Fischer when the German minister refused to meet with him at the Justice Ministry offices in east Jerusalem.
"Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and the German foreign minister will not determine for us what areas of the city are part of our sovereignty," Lapid said. Lapid rejected Fischer's suggestion to hold their meeting in the King David Hotel. "If he is not willing to come to east Jerusalem, I certainly won't go to him."
Fischer was scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, opposition leader MK Amram Mitzna (Labor), and former justice minister Yossi Beilin. In addition, Fischer planned to visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Fischer will travel to Ramallah for meetings with Arafat, Abu Mazen and Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker Abu Ala.
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