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Jonathan Pollard called today's visit from US Ambassador Ayalon "disappointing and disgusting".
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| By Israel Insider staff and partners May 18, 2005 |
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Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Danny Ayalon met with convicted spy Jonathan Pollard Tuesday, in a first-ever visit by an Israeli ambassador.
Ayalon, Pollard and his wife Esther met for more than two hours in what was described as a tense meeting, wherein Pollard reiterated his claim that the Israeli government has neglected him over the past 20 years.
Following the visit, Pollard said the meeting was "disappointing and disgusting," as he had expected a serious discussion after having to wait for more than 20 years.
He also said he had expected Ayalon to discuss effective initiatives and practical steps to facilitate his release.
He claimed that all he received was an empty gesture and a meeting of no substance.
In addition, Pollard called for the government to assist in his release, as they had done for agents in Cyprus, Jordan and Switzerland. He said that if Israel is not prepared to facilitate his release, the citizens of Israel have the right to know the "real situation" between Israel and the U.S.
Ayalon said he had conveyed a message to Pollard from Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, extending Sharon's support and reinforcement. Ayalon also expressed hope for a further meeting between the two.
"I told him that in our (Israel) opinion he has paid a heavy price and that we are doing all we can to bring about his release," he said. "But it does not depend on us. It's an extremely sensitive and complicated issue, but after 20 years he should be released for humanitarian reasons."
Prior to the meeting, Ayalon met with Pollard's wife, who said her husband does not wish to be released at the expense of the scheduled disengagement.
She added that the fact reporters were prohibited from being present during the meeting, proves Sharon is still not serious about his commitment to facilitate Pollard's release.
Ayalon's visit is "a trick" and Sharon has not done enough to release my husband, she told reporters.
Sharon and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom decided last week to approve the visit after they decided to take a more pro-active approach to facilitate his release.
Pollard has been imprisoned in the U.S. for the past 20 years for spying on Israel's behalf and has complained for some time of harsh prison conditions.
Ayalon's visit with Pollard was the first-ever by an Israeli ambassador to the U.S.
Public figures, including ministers and Knesset members, have held private visits with Pollard during their U.S. trips, but Israel has not sent an official representative to visit the Pollard in a long time.
Shalom said recently in a meeting with E.U. ambassadors in Jerusalem that "20 years in prison is too long a period. It is time Pollard be released and join his nation in Israel."
The Jerusalem-based Committee To Bring Jonathan Pollard Home said in a statement that they were "very surprised" to hear Shalom's statement.
"From what we were informed during the past 20 years, especially since Sharon took power, Israel has not ceased to act steadfastly for his release," the statement said. "It is time to stop with the talking and turn to actions that would lead to his release."
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