Following are remarks made by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon in an interview with Galei Tzahal Radio, July 12, 2009:
Regarding the claim that the construction freeze in the settlements constitutes a precondition for resuming negotiations:
We have not yet heard this to be a precondition. A very detailed, serious discussion is being conducted with the Americans. I don’t think anyone wants to interject this here as an excuse. Israel could also say, Abu Mazen, sir, meet all your commitments in this framework by collecting all illegal weapons, outlawing terror organizations, changing all the books and the incitement. We are willing to sit down with the Palestinians without prior conditions, and you have to be suspicious of why anyone raising all sorts of subjects like these doesn’t [sit with the Israelis], whether it is due to internal problems or perhaps because he is not really ready right now to move towards peace, and just wants to pressure Israel.
I don’t think the Americans are pushing this matter. They would be happy if we would sit down with Palestinians tomorrow for direct talks without any preconditions. The Americans in Cairo and Riyadh are talking about a regional format for starting the process of normalization.
Regarding Abu Mazen’s comments today on his support for appointing Tzipi Livni as foreign minister:
I think that if anyone needed an endorsement of the efficiency in which our foreign minister is conducting foreign policy, we are getting that from Abu Mazen. You don’t expect Israel to appoint its leaders according to the requests of its opponents or enemies. Now we have a foreign minister who is a leader, who doesn't zigzag, who protects our interests. Perhaps it isn’t so comfortable for some people, but as far as Israel’s interests are concerned, it’s the right thing to do.
Regarding Israel’s call for renewing negotiations:
Both Foreign Minister Liberman and Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of negotiations, of an invitation for dialogue with the Palestinians with no prior conditions whatsoever. This government has accepted the two-state vision. We have our interests and our reservations, but everything is meant to be discussed and clarified in direct talks with the Palestinians. We cannot force the Palestinians. It’s better to have international pressure exerted on the Palestinians so they can also do their bit to make progress. The peace process requires two sides.
Regarding Israel’s measures on behalf of the Palestinians:
If you look at the critical mass of changes in the field that have taken place over the past three months, and even before that, over the past six months or year, more than a third of the roadblocks and checkpoints in Judah and Samaria have been removed. Israel is compromising for the Palestinians’ sake, by making changes on the ground, with very significant, massive relief measures, as well as Israeli government statements about two states and talks with the Americans about severe restrictions on the settlements. No one expects us to come to the negotiating table alone, and the pressure needs to be directed at the Palestinians.