Egyptian foreign minister: Czech EU presidency should talk to Palestinians, too
One of the things Czechs want to focus on during the country’s upcoming EU presidency is deepening Europes relations with Israel. The Czechs are even hoping that a first-ever summit between the EU and Israel could be held at some point during the first six months of 2009. On Monday, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Aboul Gheit came to Prague for talks with Czech President Václav Klaus, Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg and other officials. His mission was to make sure that the voice of the Arab world is also heard, and that the Czech presidency follows a balanced policy towards the Middle East.
The Czech Republic is considered one of the leaders of the pro-Israeli faction in the European Union. How do you perceive that?
“I would not say that Czechs are pro-Israeli; and if they are, that is a misfortune. They are pro-peace. The important thing is that when you decide to bring the Israelis closer to the EU, then you also have to expect that Israel would abide by the peace process and certain arrangements that are required from the Israelis. I don’t think or believe that the Czech Republic accepts settlement activities in the occupied territories, and they told me today that they do not accept them. Don’t forget that the Czechs also suffered from occupation and foreign domination. So I don’t think that the statement that the Czech Republic is pro-Israeli is correct. I think that the Czech Republic has to be, and is, pro-peace – meaning that we expect the Czechs to work, adopting a balanced policy between Israel and the Palestinians; between Israel and the Arab world. But when you say ‘we will support Israel’ – you will support Israel on what? On its security? That’s good. We understand that and we support everybody’s security. But would you also support the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state? The right of the Palestinians in an independent state? That’s my answer to your question.”
“The issue is not pressuring Israel more. The issue is urging Israel to respond to the call for a settlement. What is needed for a settlement from our point of view, and I think from the international point of view, is that Israel withdraws from the occupied Palestinian territories; that the building of settlements in the occupied territories comes to an end; that the building of the wall comes to an end. If the Czech Republic can enhance relations with Israel, then as an action of balancing this process, the Czechs also have to ask the European Union to enhance its relations with the Palestinians, the aggrieved party, the party that asks for justice. We are hopeful that the European Union under the Czech presidency will keep working for a balanced peace process based on justice for the Palestinians.”
